Author Cory Doctorow proposes a ‘no endorsement’ licensing scheme for stuff.  The fan makes some object that utilizes the IP and puts a ‘no-endorsement’ mark on it.  This ‘relieves’ the IP owner of ‘the duty to bless or damn the enthusiastic creations’ of fans.  Importantly, the maker pays the IP owner a ‘high percentage without being punitive, say 25%.”

In the abstract, a ‘no endorsement’ button in a specific ‘non-commercial’ zone, as well as compulsory licensing for trademarks, are not in and of themselves insane ideas.   However for a proposal to be taken seriously  should take into consideration:

1. Royalty collection mechanisms for cottage manufacturers.  Note the level of lawsuits that ASCAP and BMI  bring against established businesses.

2.  Does this proposal provide cover for counterfeitors?

3.  The effect on the authorized licensing market suddenly competing with the spurned licensing market.

4.  Reputational risk (for example, headlines that a child choked on an unsafe [FAMOUS TRADEMARK] toy (bearing a no endorsement sticker)).  Why did the company let just anyone make children’s toys?

The ‘no endorsement’ concept may have utility in the fan fiction arena.  Its hard to see what policy objective is served by this proposal that would outweigh, at a minimum, public safety concerns.

OH MY GAUZE v GAUZEWAY for gauze-y clothing, not first aid stuff.

 Complaint Oh My Gauze(function() { var scribd = document.createElement(“script”); scribd.type = “text/javascript”; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = “http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js”; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(“script”)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();

Don’t do what Advice Dog suggests.  Here, defendant’s employee allegedly emailed plaintiff saying ‘Hi guys, I know this might impact you because of its name.  Please let me know” (para. 13 of complaint).

 Complaint Time Warner Smart Home(function() { var scribd = document.createElement(“script”); scribd.type = “text/javascript”; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = “http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js”; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(“script”)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();

Owner of DR PEPPER trademark sues bottling company for using DUBLIN DR PEPPER outside of license.

Dr Pepper news release here

 

 Complaint Dublin Dr Pepper(function() { var scribd = document.createElement(“script”); scribd.type = “text/javascript”; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = “http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js”; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(“script”)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();

Katy Perry licensee files John Doe action in anticipation of infringers at upcoming show in Michigan.  Memo discusses appropriateness of TRO in relation to common law rights (Perry has regs for entertainment and pre-recorded media, but only pending apps for clothing).

 Tro Application Katy Perry(function() { var scribd = document.createElement(“script”); scribd.type = “text/javascript”; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = “http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js”; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(“script”)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();

 

Comite Interprofessional du vin de Champagne, the body charged with administering the CHAMPAGNE appellation of origin, fails to establish trademark rights in the term and thus fails in a UDRP against the registrant of CHAMPAGNE.CO (who had been warehousing the name).  The UDRP doesn’t extend to apples of oregon appellations of origin.  CIVC had had success in domain name procedures before other entities.