High court strikes down ‘scandalous’ part of trademark law
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the century-old provision is an unconstitutional restriction on speech, handing a victory Monday to California fashion brand FUCT.
Trademark
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Splenda maker sues Speedway chain over knockoff sweetener
Carmel-based Heartland Consumer Products says Speedway offers knockoff sweetener in packets that are too similar to Splenda’s packaging, which could confuse customers.
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In ‘FUCT’ fashion brand case, high court justices avoid saying word
The case has to do with a portion of federal law that says officials should not register trademarks that are “scandalous” or “immoral.” But the artist behind the brand argues that portion of law should be struck down as an unconstitutional restriction on speech.
Justices rule law on offensive trademarks unconstitutional
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday struck down part of a law that bans offensive trademarks in a ruling that is expected to help the Washington Redskins in their legal fight over the team name.
U.S. Supreme Court to hear appeal by Carmel firm over IP lawsuits
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider putting sharp new limits on where patent-infringement lawsuits can be filed, accepting a case that may undercut patent owners’ ability to channel cases to favorable courts.
Splenda owner sues Dunkin’ Donuts over knockoff sweetener
Carmel-based Heartland Consumer Products LLC, which owns the rights to the Splenda brand, says Dunkin’ Donuts uses a knockoff sweetener but leads customers to believe it uses Splenda.
Verge goes national, finds friction over name
Founder Matt Hunckler believes emerging tech hubs across the country can benefit from the connections and information Verge offers, so he’s been charting a course for national expansion.
Texas A&M sues NFL’s Colts for ’12th Man’ trademark offense
The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Houston is intended to protect the phrase “Home of the 12th Man” and variations of it that the university contends have brought its fan base “national renown.”
Plucky owners reclaim, renew famous Hoosier trademarks
The new owners of Roselyn Bakery, Choc-Ola chocolate drink and Champagne Velvet beer got dormant but potent brands back on store shelves.
Municipalities including Westfield join trademark game
Legal brand protection is all but required in the corporate world, where businesses must guard against unauthorized use of the brands they’ve invested time and resources to build. Now, the public sector increasingly is following suit as communities work to establish identities of their own.
Trademark board rules against Redskins name
The U.S. Patent Office ruled Wednesday that the Washington Redskins nickname is "disparaging of Native Americans" and that the team's federal trademarks for the name must be canceled.
Attorney sues hundreds over use of Indy skyline photo
Attorney Richard Bell says he has found about 300 people using a photo on their websites that he took back in 2000. His aggressive litigation against them raises vital questions about fair use and theft in the Internet age.
NFL harpoons Pendleton man’s trademark application
Thinking that brothers Jim and John Harbaugh might go head to head in this year’s Super Bowl, Roy Fox last year filed applications to register “Harbowl” and “Harbaugh Bowl” as U.S. trademarks.
Legal fight fuels tensions in tight-knit tech world
A trademark-infringement case brought against App Press LLC threatens to smother the tech startup in legal fees before it reaches its potential.
Angie’s List accuses competitor of deceptive ads
Angie’s List Inc. alleges its trademarked name is being misused by a Colorado competitor to intercept people conducting Google searches for the Indianapolis-based contractor-ratings service.
Australian Gold sues to protect product name
Australian Gold LLC, the tanning salon products company led by Steve and Tomisue Hilbert, is in a trademark dispute with a Boston-based online retailer over the trade name Rue La La.
Klipsch wins restraining order vs. alleged counterfeiters
The order enables the Indianapolis speaker maker to disable the websites where the suspected knockoffs are sold and allows it to restrain the funds of the accused.
Lilly files suit over flea medication sales from Australia
The Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical firm claims an Australian veterinary clinic is infringing on its Comfortis flea medication’s trademark by reselling it to U.S. consumers online.
Shelbyville manufacturer takes on big name in tumblers
A Shelbyville manufacturer is seeking to cancel a trademark held by Tervis Tumbler Co., which built a $75 million business around making double-walled plastic cups.
Judge whacks claim that games infringe on Dillinger name
A federal judge has shot down a lawsuit brought by heirs of notorious bank robber John Dillinger over the depiction of the Dillinger name in video games based on the classic movie "The Godfather."
ChaCha sues Taiwanese company for trademark infringement
Carmel-based ChaCha Search Inc., operator of an online question-and-answer site, sued Taiwanese company HTC Corp. for trademark infringement over the planned introduction of a smartphone called the ChaCha.