Monthly Archives: December 2025

literal falsity can exist without bald-faced lies, 9th Circuit confirms

Posted on December 30, 2025 by rtushnet

InSinkErator, LLC v. Joneca Co., No. 25-286 (9th Cir. Dec. 29, 2025) The court of appeals affirms the grant of a preliminary injunction, previously discussed, against Joneca’s advertising of its garbage disposals. InSinkErator argued that Joneca’s horsepower designations were literally … Continue reading →

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court rejects politician’s slogan claim

Posted on December 29, 2025 by rtushnet

Cloobeck v. Villaraigosa, No. 2:25–cv–03790–AB (SK) (C.D. Cal. Dec. 8, 2025) Cloobeck, a 2026 California gubernatorial election candidate, alleged infringement of the phrase “PROVEN PROBLEM SOLVER” by competing candidate Villaraigosa. Cloobeck used “I AM A PROVEN PROBLEM SOLVER” in connection … Continue reading →

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no abuse of discretion in PI requiring advertiser to terminate liens that it told homeowners weren’t liens

Posted on December 24, 2025 by rtushnet

People v. MV Realty PBC, LLC, 2025 WL 3719896, B341121 (Cal. Ct. App. Dec. 23, 2025) Blogging more in my property law prof hat, but with false advertising. MV Realty recorded liens on its customers’ properties, but assured homeowners that … Continue reading →

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“monk fruit sweetener” plausibly should have more than 1.15% monkfruit

Posted on December 22, 2025 by rtushnet

Grimbaldeston v. Saraya USA, Inc., 2025 WL 3677857, No. 25-cv-05649-RFL (N.D. Cal. Dec. 17, 2025) Grimbaldeston brought the usual California claims based on allegations that Saraya deceptively overstated the amount of monk fruit in its sugar substitute. The court mostly … Continue reading →

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trademark law firm loses trademark lawsuit

Posted on December 19, 2025 by rtushnet

LegalForce RAPC Worldwide P.C. v. MH Sub I, LLC, No. C 24-00669 WHA, 2025 WL 3675365 (N.D. Cal. Dec. 18, 2025) LegalForce, a law firm “specializing in trademark law,” sued online referrer to law firms MH for infringing two service … Continue reading →

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license agreement termination might be invalid transfer in gross without a new partner for licensor

Posted on December 17, 2025 by rtushnet

Form Portfolios LLC v. Food52, Inc., 2025 WL 3638165, No. 24-cv-07690 (NCM) (CLP) (E.D.N.Y. Dec. 16, 2025) Form designs consumer products, partnering with other companies that license those designs. Food52 sells cookware and other homegoods under the brand Dansk. This … Continue reading →

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Reading list and comments: Doctrine, Data, and the Death of DuPont

Posted on December 15, 2025 by rtushnet

Thomas Reichert, Doctrine, Data, and the Death of DuPont   Abstract: For fifty years, courts have claimed to apply a comprehensive thirteen-factor test for trademark confusion. They are lying, or at least deeply mistaken. Using AI-powered analysis of 4,000 decisions, this … Continue reading →

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reasonable consumers read promotion terms on a gambling app, court rules

Posted on December 15, 2025 by rtushnet

De Leon v. DraftKings, Inc., 2025 WL 3551627, No. 25cv644 (DLC) (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 11, 2025) The court rejects false advertising claims against gambling site DraftKings. “Three of the plaintiffs became addicted to online gambling and have suffered both financial and … Continue reading →

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Third Circuit affirms disgorgement award in “Made in the USA” case

Posted on December 11, 2025 by rtushnet

Newborn Bros. Co. v. Albion Engineering Co., No. 24-1548, No. 24-3046, 2025 WL 3540060 (3d Cir. Dec. 10, 2025) Along with his rally-going, Judge Bove did participate in this nonprecedential affirmance of various rulings, including disgorgement, in this false advertising … Continue reading →

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despite rejecting Lanham Act PI, court enjoins D from making negative statements about P in public if prospective customers might see

Posted on December 11, 2025 by rtushnet

Red Sense LLC v. Bohuslavskiy, 2025 WL 3539968, No. 25cv12281 (EP) (AME) (D.N.J. Dec. 10, 2025) This case illustrates that tortious interference has a small remaining scope—where there’s no “commercial advertising or promotion” because of the failure to solicit a … Continue reading →

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