When a company has a trademark on a word, this doesn't necessarily mean it has exclusive rights to the word. It means it has exclusive rights to the word in certain contexts in the marketplace. This may seem like just a matter of semantics, but it has important...
Trademarks and Copyrights
Protecting your trade secrets
Trade secrets are some of your most valuable intellectual properties. There are many things that constitute trade secrets, but generally, they are anything that has inherent economic value for your business. Your trade secrets can be your information, designs,...
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...
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...
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...
Nirvana faces another copyright infringement lawsuit
Nirvana, the famous grunge band from the 90’s that spawned Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters is facing yet another intellectual property dispute. The band has faced copyright infringement litigation for the last several years over its popular smiley face t-shirt after...
Do New Bands And Musicians Need IP Protection?
New artists are so focused on honing their sound and writing and performing music that they may not consider the intellectual property's implications related to their work. There are quite a few things that musicians can copyright or trademark to protect their musical...