Cory Doctorow at Boing Boing elaborates on the Wired article regarding the waning power of brands. Fair enough, but the article has something of a false premise. Consumer protection is one of two, not the sole, rationale for trademark law. The other rationale is the protection of the trademark owner’s intellectual property. A brand is
November 2004
Justice Thomas To Be Next Chief Justice?
The Drudge Report is reporting that Justice Clarence Thomas is President Bush’s first choice to replace Justice Rehnquist as Chief Justice. This has been suggested previously by The Washington Post.
Here is an article on Justice Thomas’ views on commercial speech.
Wired: Are Brands Being Hurt By Informed Consumers?
Speaking of Personalities
Amazon is seeking resumes for the position of Senior Maanger of ‘Personality Lines.’ The job calls for ‘developing and executing innovative ideas and concepts with regard to exclusive celebrity-focused products on Amazon.com.’ Via Craigslist.
Tiger Seeks Privacy For 'Privacy'
Tiger Woods, through a corporation, purchased a yacht, which he named ‘Privacy.’ In the contract of sale, the vendor was allowed to orally disclose that it had sold a yacht to Tiger Woods, but pretty much any other use of the Woods name was prohibited. The vendor allegedly printed up brochures naming Woods, and distributed photos to…
Trademark Protection for Barcelona Chair

Discussion of protectability of Barcelona chair here.
GRAND HERITAGE v. GRAND HERITAGE
Grand Heritage Hotel v. Grand Heritage Hotel via the Business Journal of Portland.
Marvel Sues Disney
Marvel sues Disney over animated superhero cartoons. Via NY Lawyer.
More on Homeland Security and Rubik's Cube
KRISPY KREME v. KRISPY KREAM

KRISPY KREME Donuts protests Pennsylvania ice cream stand named KRISPY KREAM. Via StarTribune.com.
