RECENT POSTS
NASAA Guidance for Franchise Non-Competes
Last May, the Federal Trade Commission looked to ban non-compete agreements in most employment contracts aside from franchise agreements. Although scheduled to become effective in September, a federal court vacated the ruling in August indicating
Franchisors: Working With Franchisees Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires
The Los Angeles wildfires pose significant challenges for businesses, including franchised businesses. But if a business is lost in a national disaster, support already exists within a franchise system. It’s organic. That is not always
IP Gets “Modernized” In Stimulus Bill
Embedded within the 5,600-page Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 – more commonly known as the $2.3 trillion Coronavirus Relief Stimulus Bill enacted on December 27, 2020 – are significant changes to federal trademark and copyright laws.
The California Consumer Privacy Act: Implications for Business Websites
Effective January 1, 2020, many businesses will be required by California law to amend their website’s privacy policy for California Consumers and to comply with the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act). The CCPA, modeled after
SCOTUS Invalidates Scandalous Restrictions on Trademarks
In a long-awaited decision, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a restriction on registering trademarks deemed “scandalous” or “immoral”. In the Brunetti case, the U.S. Supreme Court was asked whether the provision of the Trademark Act
SCOTUS: No Copyright Registration, No Infringement Lawsuit
The wheels of government turn slowly to the detriment of copyright owners, according to a unanimous opinion delivered by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, in Fourth Estate Public Benefit Corporation v. Wall-Street.com. Petitioner
Does This Selfie Make Me Look Like a Copyright Infringer?
Intellectual Property Lawyer by Tal Grinblat (818) 907-3284 Caution. This blog lacks lawyerly gravitas. Why? Wikimedia Commons Public Domain: Naruto’s Selfie The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will consider a copyright infringement suit brought by
Disparaging, Degrading, Derogatory Trademarks: They’re Now Enforceable Says Supreme Court
Intellectual Property Lawyer by Tal Grinblat (818) 907-3284 You may remember that several national sports franchises are under fire for trademarks and branding that is seen to be racially disparaging. The Washington Redskins are the
Trademark Law & Genericide: Google’s Not Dead Yet
Trademark Attorney by Tal Grinblat (818) 907-3284 Domain name registration is usually a good first step to cement trade name and mark ownership. In a previous blog we reminded readers that possession, even in Intellectual
Half Baked: The Brave New World of Branding Weed
Intellectual Property Attorney by Tal Grinblat (818) 907-3284 In last week’s election, California voters passed Prop 64, which means recreational marijuana can be sold and used by persons over 21 within the state. But don’t