❗Help close the gap: We still need to raise $40,000 by the end of March. Donate now

The tortured Taco Tuesday trademark travails

Sep 17, 2019
A Wyoming fast food chain and LeBron James each want a piece of the widely-used promotional term.
masassassin/Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Can you copyright another group's language?

Dec 26, 2018
Sari Sharoni, an associate at the law firm Covington & Burling, joined us to discuss whether groups can legally prevent others from appropriating their language.
A poke dish prepared for a Food Network festival in New York City.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for NYCWFF

Trump's China trademark victory raises concern among ethics experts

Feb 16, 2017
President Donald Trump sought rights to the Trump trademark for construction services in China for years. Trademarks in China operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and someone else beat Trump to the punch. But this week, after years of refusal, China’s Trademark Office awarded the rights to Trump. The president’s legal win is raising hackles […]

The trademark battle over Yosemite National Park

Mar 2, 2016
The concessions company Delaware North filed trademark applications for names including Yosemite National Park.
Half Dome, rising above the valley in Yosemite National Park. 
MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

Trademark law: Why Disney is fighting a Canadian DJ

Nov 5, 2014
A face-off is taking place between two famous mice: Mickey Mouse and Deadmau5.

For public good, not for profit.

Can you trademark a rallying cry like 'Boston Strong'?

Apr 23, 2013
"Boston Strong" was a phrase that came out of the uprising of goodwill for the city after the Boston Marathon bombings. Now, some are trying to trademark it. Can it be done?

Turkish firm moves to trademark Idaho's state name

Feb 18, 2013
It may sound like a Thanksgiving dinner food fight, but it's actually a serious battle over knock-offs. Potato-proud Idaho is fighting against Turkey, the country.

'Tebowing,' 'Linsanity'...and now 'Kaepernicking'

Jan 24, 2013
The 49er QB looks to trademark the name of his signature move, but is it worth it?