When is a seltzer a beer? When does a license to use a trademark give someone free rein to do whatever they want with it? At first, these two questions appear to have little in common with each other, but they both come up in a legal dispute currently moving through...
Intellectual Property
What is intellectual property licensing?
If you legally own intellectual property, licensing may be a great way to grow your brand and business. By licensing your trademark or copyright to a third party, you grant them the right to use your intellectual property while still maintaining ownership rights. What...
What are the benefits of registering a copyright?
Artists, authors, musicians, photographers and others in New York create various works in their careers. These are original works that people put a lot of time and effort into creating and in many situations, want the world to experience them. However, as it is often...
Copyright law protects New York City’s many artistic gems
New York is home to Broadway musicals, the scene of many movies in production, artistic works in one of the city’s many museums, literary works and feats of architecture. What do all these things have in common? It is that they are all likely protected by copyright....
Why distinctiveness matters in the trademark context
A trademark can be extremely valuable to your business. It can build brand recognition and serve as a symbol of quality and goodwill. But creating and policing a mark can be more complicated endeavors than many people realize. That’s why as you navigate your...
Safe harbor and takedown notices
In New York, protecting one’s intellectual property is a fundamental part of maintaining and growing a business. Since the basics are often changing, this can be a complex area that many business owners are unaware of how to navigate. For example, if an entity owns a...
The 101 on trademark infringement
Whether it is the Nike “swoosh” or McDonald’s “Big Mac” trademarks are part of our every-day lives. Trademarks are significant and valuable assets to any business, and businesses need to ensure their trademarks are fully protected. This means ensuring trademark...
Does the fair use doctrine apply to your advertising?
Advertising can be the lifeblood of a business. Regardless of the medium used, advertising is an important way to draw in new customers and reestablish your relationship with existing ones. But advertising can also be a minefield of potential litigation, particularly...
What are the potential remedies for copyright infringement?
There are many different painters, musicians, authors, screenplay writers, poets, photographers and other artists living and working in New York. These people are very talented individuals who have a passion for what they do. However, this is not just a hobby for many...
Vanessa Bryant files for KB24 trademark
Vanessa Bryant, the widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has reportedly filed to register a trademark for the term “KB24”. Before his death, Kobe Bryant had begun to build a presence in digital media and his widow’s recent intellectual property endeavors may be part of a...