Assaad

What Is Going on with Wizards of the Coast?

Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of the popular Dungeons & Dragons series (and a subsidiary of Hasbro) has come under scrutiny lately, because of the proposed changes to their Open Games License (or OGL). The OGL is basically a license to use certain mechanics of Dungeons & Dragons and fans can create royalty-free content.Continue reading “What Is Going on with Wizards of the Coast?”

FTC Fines Epic Games $520M Over Children’s Privacy

On Monday, December 19, 2022, the FTC announced that Epic Games will pay a $520 million fine in order to settle allegations of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and collecting children’s personal data without obtaining consent from the parent or guardian. Epic acknowledged the settlement in a statement, saying in part: “NoContinue reading “FTC Fines Epic Games $520M Over Children’s Privacy”

USPTO SHORTENS RESPONSE TIME FOR OFFICE ACTIONS STARTING DECEMBER 3, 2022.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that starting December 3, 2022, trademark applicants will have three (3) months (was six (6) months) to respond to office actions. Note that this rule will apply to office actions that are issued after December 3, 2022. The goal is for the USPTO to shorten theContinue reading “USPTO SHORTENS RESPONSE TIME FOR OFFICE ACTIONS STARTING DECEMBER 3, 2022.”

Adidas Owns Shoes After Breaking Ties with Ye

On October 25 2022, Adidas ended its relationship with Kanye West (or Ye), after Kanye made antisemitic remarks. Adidas and Ye had a partnership with the Ye’s Yeezy brand. That partnership produced various shoes. In its statement, Adidas said:“After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately,Continue reading “Adidas Owns Shoes After Breaking Ties with Ye”

THOUGHTS ON “INDIE GAMES” BOOK

I was lucky enough to receive the book Indie Games by Mike Diver as a gift. There was a lot of discovery while reading it. The book covered almost every genre, from puzzles, to platformers, to action-adventure games. It mentions some popular games like No Man’s Sky, and a personal favorite, Cuphead, but to myContinue reading “THOUGHTS ON “INDIE GAMES” BOOK“

She-Hulk Episode 5 Discussion

She-Hulk, episode 5 is centered around a trademark case! I have been excited to write about this one, and I’ll try to point out certain legal points during the trademark case! The end of episode 4 ended with Jen Walters/She-Hulk being sued for trademark infringement. Titania has made a skincare, beauty, & wellness line usingContinue reading “She-Hulk Episode 5 Discussion“

TAYLOR SWIFT SUED BY POETRY AUTHOR

On August 23, 2022, a complaint was filed by Teresa La Dart against Taylor Swift for copyright infringement. The infringement in question is between Teresa La Dart’s 2010 book titled “Lover” and Taylor Swift’s 2019 album, also titled “Lover.” La Dart asserts that “…a number of creative elements that copied the expressive designs and arrangementsContinue reading “TAYLOR SWIFT SUED BY POETRY AUTHOR”

LeBron James’s Company, Uninterrupted IP LLC, Files for Trademark “Shut Up and Dribble”

According to the USPTO, LeBron James’s company, Uninterrupted IP LLC. filed for the trademark “Shut Up and Dribble” on July 18, 2022. The phrase has been used in quite a negative manner when talking about basketball players. For LeBron James in particular, a FOX news correspondent told him to do so back in 2018 whenContinue reading “LeBron James’s Company, Uninterrupted IP LLC, Files for Trademark “Shut Up and Dribble””

The Strength of Control

I finally (finally) saw Spider-Man, No Way Home! The movie was great! I later figured out the real reason why Peter could not get into the college of his choice – #Contracts! Marvel has a lot of control over their #trademark characters. The screenshot shows what restrictions have been placed on Peter Parker. However, thereContinue reading “The Strength of Control”

Copyright Office brings in the Copyright Claims Board!

Earlier this month, the copyright claims board came into existence at the copyright office! The goal of it is to more efficiently resolve copyright disputes involving damages of up to $30,000. • Only certain types of claims can be brought before the CCB. Unlike federal court, the CCB’s jurisdiction is limited to certain copyright-related claims. OnlyContinue reading “Copyright Office brings in the Copyright Claims Board!”