John W. writes to inform us of In re Michael Bergman, in which WASHINGTON SENATORS for clothing was found to be confusingly similar to SENATORS stylized for clothing.

Phishing (sending email with fraudulent email addresses) is a form of trademark counterfeiting (among other torts).  Article on anti-phishing techniques here.

John Welch reports:

In Central Mfg. Co.. V. Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Inc., Opp. No. 91154585, the Board entered sanctions against Opposer in view of its determination that “Opposer’s Rule 11 motion lacked merit, and in view of other motions brought by opposer in this consolidated case that have been determined to be without merit, constitute…

Mark Partridge of the Pattishall firm in Chicago has started a trademark, copyright and related rights blog entitled GUIDING RIGHTS.

“Forcing Brands Into Early Retirement,” via BrandChannel.

The International Trademark Metasearch queries various trademark office registries, including those of the US, Canada, the CTM, Madrid and Japan.  It’s been available on this site for no charge since 2001.  I view it as an ’80/0′ solution, offerring 80% of the utility of an international knock-out search at 0 of the cost.

However, many…

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson was fined $10,000 for obscuring a bottle of Coke product POWERADE with a sign for LOWE’S, his primary sponsor.  Nascar had ordered drivers, who are independent contractors, some of whom have contracts with rival beverage companies, to stop knocking down the bottles of POWERADE that were being placed on their cars…

TILLAMOOK jerky successfully defends protest by TILLAMOOK cheese makers.  Background here and here.