A California judge hearing a copyright suit against Warner/Chappell music recently ruled that the “Happy Birthday” song is in the public domain. The judge held that Warner could enforce its copyright only in certain arrangements of the song. CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE
Category Archives: Amusing
Canadian Company Creates Invisibility Cloak
A Canadian business called the Hyperstealth Technology Company has recently revealed their “quantum stealth” technology. Camouflage with this detail is extraordinary and the company has elected to hold this invention as a trade secret rather than patent it. It is not surprising that such a revolutionary invention would be held as a trade secret; aContinue reading “Canadian Company Creates Invisibility Cloak”
Notorious Toronto Mayor in Trouble for Unauthorized use of Trademark
Rob Ford, the Toronto mayor of recent notoriety, is employing Ford’ famous oval shaped logo on t-shirts that support his cause. The Ford Motor Company claims that Mr. Ford did not seek permission before using their oval logo on “Ford Nation” shirts. In an effort to distance themselves from the recent bad press, the automakerContinue reading “Notorious Toronto Mayor in Trouble for Unauthorized use of Trademark”
Artist Uses Snow As Canvas
Artist Simon Beck is well known for his artworks in the snow. Using snowshoes, he creates stunning geometric masterpieces often the size of several football fields. He plans to compile a book of images showcasing his works. Click here for full article.
New Feud Over Hatfield McCoy Trademark
Everyone has heard of the legendary grudge between the Hatfield and McCoy families during the mid to late 1800’s. While the family feud has quieted down in the last century, a new dispute is emerging over who has the right to use the trademark HATFIELD & MCCOY in competing moonshine ventures. Click here forContinue reading “New Feud Over Hatfield McCoy Trademark”
Meme Use in Advertisement
Memes can be a great way to ad humor to an ad campaign but you should always seek the permission of the copyright owner before using them commercially. Click here for full article
Town in Oregon Files Copyright Suit Over Public Toilet Design
The town of Portland recently filed suit against Romtec Inc. for its public standalone restroom design, “The Sidewalk Restroom.” The suit claims that Romtec is infringing the “Portland Loos” design used throughout the city. Click here for full article
Headlight Flashing: Obstruction of Justice or Protected Speech?
Michael Elli was ticketed after he flashed his headlight as a warning to oncoming motorists. The moving violation was later dropped but Elli filed suit against the city of Ellisville, Missouri claiming that headlight warnings are a form of protected speech. Elli’s lawyer is quoted as saying “if communicating the presence of a speed trapContinue reading “Headlight Flashing: Obstruction of Justice or Protected Speech?”
9th Circuit Holds the Bat Mobile is a Character Protected by Copyright
DC Comics recently sued the manufacturer of Bat Mobile replicas claiming that these copies constituted copyright infringement (DC Comics v. Towle). The Ninth Circuit recently agreed, holding that “especially distinctive” characters are entitled to copyright protection, finding that the Bat Mobile is not just a car; it is a distinctive character. Click here for fullContinue reading “9th Circuit Holds the Bat Mobile is a Character Protected by Copyright”
Man Stranded on Disney’s “It’s a Small World” ride is Awarded Damages for Pain and Suffering
Click here for full article