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TTAB Reverses Functionality Refusal of Rocking Chair Design But Finds Acquired Distinctiveness Lacking

The TTABlog

Applying the Morton-Norwich factors, and giving some weight to applicant's design patents, the Board concluded that the USPTO failed to make a prima facie case of functionality. There were no utility patents of record, nor any evidence showing that JBL touted any utilitarian advantages of this product design.

Designs 52
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Uber's expansion into ads hits a TM hurdle

43(B)log

has offered design and marketing services under the name “Uber” since 1999. Uber Technologies, the one you know about, was incorporated in 2010. describes its business as including graphic design like logos, stationery and brochures; promotional events and mailings; and consumer-oriented campaigns, like magazine advertisements.

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2023 Internet Law Year-in-Review

Technology & Marketing Law Blog

My roundup of the top Internet Law developments of 2023: 10) California court bans targeted advertising (?). Regulators have sought to suppress online targeted advertising for years, with only minimal success. In turn, advertisers have fled Twitter. 4) Social media “defective design” lawsuits go forward.

Law 104
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Dark Patterns Unmasked: Examining Their Influence on Digital Platforms and User Behaviour

SpicyIP

Dark Patterns Unmasked: Examining Their Influence on Digital Platforms and User Behaviour Srijaa Grover and Yaggya Kapoor Harry Brignull introduced the concept of “dark patterns” in 2010, describing them as deceptive tactics aimed at boosting conversion rates.

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Megaupload Fugitive Arrested By Armed Police 11 Years After The Raid

TorrentFreak

Julius Bencko, Graphic Designer In the United States government’s superseding indictment dated February 16, 2012, Julius Bencko is described as a citizen and resident of Slovakia. According to the United States government, this work earned Bencko more than $1 million in 2010 alone. of Megaupload’s shares.

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competitor's copying of photos doesn't inherently inflict competitive harm

43(B)log

3, 2021) The parties compete in the market for custom landscape design services. “[I]n I]n February 2010, Natorp’s began using approximately 24 of McCleese’s photos on its commercial website.” Along with copyright claims, McCleese asserted Lanham Act false advertising claims. McCleese v. Natorp’s, Inc., 2021 WL 2270511, No.

Copying 62
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TTAB Denies Cancellation Petition for Failure to Prove Acquired Distinctiveness of Petitioner's Common Law Marks

The TTABlog

Petitioner sunk its own claim that its marks acquired distinctiveness in 2008 by testifying that its sales that year were $256; furthermore there were no advertising expenditures during 2008-2010. Natural Dog Acquisition LLC v. Its sales figures prior to 2014 (totaling $514,798) were "unimpressive."

Law 52