A UK Columnist for ZD Net illustrates the “food color in the swimming pool” problem by pointing out that the DMCA is not the law in the UK and then proceeding to print the 09 F9 number.
“YouTube Caught In Malkin, EFF. UMG Crossfire”
WEbProNews: “YouTube Caught In Malkin, EFF, UMG Crossfire” (Columnist Michelle Malkin posted concert footage on YouTube as part of her criticism of performer Akon – UMG sends a DMCA notice)
Truth In Music Bill
WSJ Law Blog: “Don’t Impersonate a Soldier or Sha Na Na This Weekend” (discussing NJ Truth in Music Bill, tenth such state law “making it illegal to use the name of a famous band unless it includes at least one original member or unless management holds a trademark.”)
Oscar v. OscarWatch.com
Technology & Marketing Law Blog: “Messing with Oscar — Academy Sues Oscarwatch.com.”
By The Way, With Regard To Meta Tags:
The source of my statement below that search engines don’t rely on meta tags:
Search Engine Watch: “Death Of A Meta Tag.”
If any one has more current info, send it on in.
Important EDNY Decision on Keywords and Metatags
This is a pretty interesting analysis. Defendant placed plaintiff’s trademark in metatags, and also purchased search ads keyed to that trademark. Neither the ads not defendant’s webpage used the ads.
Held: If the trademark was on the webpage that was visible to potential customers, that might have been use in commerce. If the defendant actively puts the trademark in the meta-tags where the search engine can see it, with the intent that more people will see the website, that’s not use on the advertisement, so its not use in commerce. (as an aside, it is generally thought at this time that search engines ignore meta-tags).
i guess buying search ads is, to a certain extent, like moving next to the anchor store in the mall. You’ve actively positioned yourself next to the trademark owner, and can divert traffic through adjacency (mayt not divert by confusion.)
SitePro v. BetterMetal, 1:06-cv-06508-ILG-RER (EDNY May 9 2007).
“N’Sync In Plagiarism Controversy”
TeenMusic.com: “‘N Sync in Plagiarism Controversy”
You Heard It Here, Uh, Early
Remember the Shape Blog? This is what I was talking about: Three-dimensional printers for $2000. You’re protecting your designs, right? When 3D printers are found in every college, there’ll be a Napster for jewelry. When they’re $500, the parts industry will be turned upside down. And at some point people will be able to ‘print’ a Navy Chair in their home.
“101 Brand Names, 1 Manufacuturer”
WSJ: “101 Brand Names, 1 Manufacturer” (The pet food recall, highlights the fact that a single manfuacturer may be responsbile for many competitive brands).
Copyright in Kickball Rules
Overlawyered: “The Microsoft of Kickball?”