Football fans in New Jersey and around the country may have good reason to pay attention to a trademark dispute involving The Slants, an Asian-American rock band. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office denied the band a trademark in 2011 because its name is considered a racial slur, and the case has many similarities with the controversy surrounding the name and logo of the Washington Redskins.
Court rules Little Caesar's does not own "family of marks"
New Jersey residents may recognize the phrase 'Pizza! Pizza!" as a slogan that was made popular by the restaurant chain Little Caesar's. While it may own a trademark for its most iconic phrase, the company will not be allowed to trademark other repeated word phrases by calling them a 'family of marks".
Protecting the intellectual property of New Jersey businesses
Intellectual property portfolios are often among the most valuable assets of New Jersey businesses, and the information age has created a range of new challenges for those tasked with protecting them. Lawmakers have done their best to update the nation's intellectual property laws in light of these new threats, but the onus still lies on the holders of copyrights and trademarks to proactively protect their rights. If you feel that your intellectual property is vulnerable or has been used without your consent, you may wish to consult with an attorney who has experience in this area.
