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Intellectual Property Protection Trademark Registration Music Industry

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Turn the Trademarks Off: The Trademarks of Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Beyonce

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On May 9, 2025, I sat in a crowded football stadium for the sold-out second night of the Grand National Tour concert featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA (the stage name of Solána Rowe). As I listened to those iconic artists...more

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

… Ready for It? A Lesson on Intent-to-Use Trademark Filings Inspired by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s upcoming trademark deadline has sparked speculation that she is gearing up to release Reputation (Taylor’s Version). In February 2021, Swift’s legal team filed an intent-to-use (ITU) trademark application for...more

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

What’s in a (Band) Name? Why Bands Need Trademark Registrations

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We’ve moved into winter and that means many bands and artists are taking a breather after summer and fall tours. Some seemed to go on for eras. For me, that means waiting a few months to catch some favorite acts. But I’ve got...more

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Dispute Over the Smiths Trademark: "Is It Really So Strange?"

When a renowned band like The Smiths breaks up, the fate of their trademark can become a contentious issue. Recently the former Smiths frontman, Morrisey, reported that guitarist, Johnny Marr had applied to register The...more

Erise IP

What’s Trending in Trademarks, May 2024: Taylor Swift Fans Analyze Latest Trademark Filing; San Francisco Sues Over San Francisco...

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Every month, Erise’s trademark attorneys review the latest developments at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, in the courts, and across the corporate world to bring you the stories that you should know about: Taylor...more

ArentFox Schiff

Behind the Stage: The TTAB's “Non-Performing Band Member” Ruling on Disputed Ownership of SPLIT DECISION Trademark

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The world of music often sees as much drama in the courtroom as on the stage. One fight that frequently results in protracted, expensive, and bitter legal disputes is over ownership of a band or group name....more

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.

MarkIt to Market® - February 2024

Thank you for reading the February 2024 issue of Sterne Kessler's MarkIt to Market® newsletter. This month, we discuss the advertising rights of luxury resellers and important updates to the Warner Chappell Music v. Nealy...more

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.

MarkIt to Market® - May 2022

Thank you for reading the May 2022 issue of Sterne Kessler's MarkIt to Market® newsletter. This month, we discuss Spotify's exploration into NFTs, two new USPTO policies with practical implications for trademark applicants...more

Arnall Golden Gregory LLP

Jam Brands: Why Bands Should File for Federal Trademark Registration

Consumers do not associate the names Phish, Grateful Dead, and Moon Taxi with an animal, a scary movie, and a spaceship. Instead, these names likely recall the bands’ popular songs, albums, and memorable concerts....more

Bodman

Disparaging, Immoral, and Scandalous Trademarks: Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should

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At a Glance - Even though the Supreme Court has paved the way for brands to register trademarks that may be considered disparaging, immoral, or scandalous, brand owners are reversing themselves and voluntarily changing....more

Akerman LLP - Marks, Works & Secrets

Proud to Be an American God Bless The USA, But Not Functioning as A Trademark

In a precedential decision, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (the “Board”) affirmed the refusal to register the trademark GOD BLESS THE USA for home decor items on the ground...more

Foley Hoag LLP - Making Your Mark

Smiles Like Teen Spirit: “Smiley Face” Copyright and Trademark Litigation

You may think the phrase “million-dollar smile” is just a metaphor, but a smile could cost you millions of dollars in litigation damages if you aren’t careful, at least according to Nirvana LLC, the legal entity that owns the...more

Fish & Richardson

Prince in Perpetuity: Preserving a Legacy through Trademarks

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Art often lives on long after the artist, serving as the artist’s legacy for generations. After an extraordinary career, Prince Rogers Nelson, suddenly passed away on April 21, 2016. He leaves a legacy of undisputable...more

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