Girls Scouting Out Trademark Infringement from Boy Scouts of America

Posted on November 9, 2018December 12, 2018 by mchattie

Written by Courtney Allen, with some help from Chris McHattie. Written by Courtney Allen and Chris McHattie No “Scout” About it, when the Boy Scouts of America announced plans to change their name to the more universal “Scouts BSA” to allow girls into the program, they probably hadn’t thought through the intellectual property implications. Unfortunately, Read more about Girls Scouting Out Trademark Infringement from Boy Scouts of America[…]

Spooktacular Halloween Intellectual Property

Posted on October 31, 2018December 12, 2018 by mchattie

Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat! October 31st brings out the ghosts and goblins, as well as frightful fun and festivities. Today, we’re digging up some popular matters of this haunting holiday and their trademarks, copyrights and patents that enhance this bewitching occasion. On the days leading up to Halloween, you’ll Read more about Spooktacular Halloween Intellectual Property[…]

In-N-Out Burger delivers crafty trademark letter to brewery

Posted on August 21, 2018August 22, 2018 by mchattie

What’s on the trademark tap? Creating and cultivating a strong brand is pivotal to business success. Protecting that brand is equally important to sustain the goodwill and reputation among customers. Trademark law allows you to protect those names, logos, and other commercial signifiers used to identify your brand and allows you to stop others from using your mark, or a confusingly similar Read more about In-N-Out Burger delivers crafty trademark letter to brewery[…]

No Break for Kit Kat in EU Trademark Battle

Posted on July 31, 2018August 1, 2018 by mchattie

Gimme a Break, gimme a break, Break me off a piece of that _____. I’d be surprised if you don’t know how to fill in that blank. Just seeing those words written together probably sparks a craving for some chocolate and a replay of that catchy jingle in your mind on repeat (sorry about that). That 4-piece Read more about No Break for Kit Kat in EU Trademark Battle[…]

Athletes Scoring with Trademarks

Posted on July 17, 2018July 17, 2018 by mchattie

As the World Cup excitement ends, the Wimbledon tournament winds down, the MLB All-Star Game plays tonight and the British Open teed off this week, sports events are happening all the time and athletes should understand the importance of trademark protection as their name represents their brand. The world of sports is full of opportunities Read more about Athletes Scoring with Trademarks[…]

Sweet Smell of Success: Hasbro Receives Trademark Registration for the Scent of Play-Doh

Posted on May 23, 2018May 23, 2018 by mchattie

Last week, toy maker Hasbro, Inc. received a Trademark for an unusual element. A trademark is typically a name, word, phrase, logo, symbol, design, image, or a combination of these elements. However, there are a range of nonconventional trademarks such as those based on color, sound, or in this case, smell. That distinct PLAY-DOH scent, a popular and well known Read more about Sweet Smell of Success: Hasbro Receives Trademark Registration for the Scent of Play-Doh[…]

In Pursuit of Distinctiveness for Logos

Posted on April 27, 2018April 27, 2018 by mchattie

by Aidan Murray (with a little help from Chris McHattie) Creating a logo for a brand is not as easy as simply drawing up “whatever design” pops into your head or by hiring a creative team to develop a unique logo. Even if the logo is “original” to you and you’re certain it is “unique,” Read more about In Pursuit of Distinctiveness for Logos[…]

Apple’s iPad prevents Mi Pad EU Trademark

Posted on December 6, 2017December 6, 2017 by mchattie

iPad, Mi Pad, YourPad, Who’sPad? Apple has successfully established a globally well-known product name for itself, especially in their i(insert tech product) line that when something relatively close comes along, there will be trouble. In this case, Mi (me or my depending on how you pronounce it) Pad. Apple has succeeded at preventing Chinese tech company Xiaomi Read more about Apple’s iPad prevents Mi Pad EU Trademark[…]

6 Must-Haves for Every Fourth of July Celebration

Posted on June 29, 2017July 1, 2017 by mchattie

Since 1941, the Fourth of July has been a federal holiday in the United States, but the festive traditions for Independence Day go back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and two days later the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Read more about 6 Must-Haves for Every Fourth of July Celebration[…]

Did you know that the first registered trademark was a beer brand? #NationalBeerDay

Posted on April 7, 2017April 9, 2018 by mchattie

Today, April 7, is National Beer Day, which commemorates April 7, 1933, the day that the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect allowing the legal sale of low-alcohol beer in the US. It was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt at which time he famously remarked: “I think this would be a good time for a Read more about Did you know that the first registered trademark was a beer brand? #NationalBeerDay[…]