Author Archives: rtushnet

The truth is out there, but it might violate the right of publicity

Posted on April 9, 2018 by rtushnet

Scott v. Citizen Watch Co., No. 17-cv-00436-NC, 2018 WL 1626773 (N.D. Cal. Apr. 4, 2018) This case would be the poster child for the need for a true reckoning between modern right of publicity law and the modern First Amendment, … Continue reading →

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make your own sexual reference: 9th Circuit partially reinstates male enhancement lawsuit

Posted on April 9, 2018 by rtushnet

Sandoval v. PharmaCare US, Inc., No. 16-56301, No. 16-56710, — Fed.Appx. —-, 2018 WL 1633011 (9th Cir. Apr. 5, 2018) Sandoval brought a putative class action claim based on PharmaCare’s statements about its “male enhancement” product IntenseX. The court of … Continue reading →

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Reading list: influencing juries in litigation hot spots

Posted on April 5, 2018 by rtushnet

Megan M. La Belle, Influencing Juries in Litigation “Hot Spots”: The article argues that litigants and attorneys sometimes use advertising to improperly sway the jury pool, sometimes by making factual claims but sometimes by using image advertising to create favorable … Continue reading →

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multi-million dollar award for trade secret theft & false advertising of “local” origin

Posted on April 5, 2018 by rtushnet

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. v. Sycamore, 2018 WL 1578115, No. 13-cv-00749-DN-DBP (D. Utah Mar. 29, 2018) A relatively large trade secret/false advertising verdict in this case.  Bimbo prevailed at trial on its trade secret claim that Sycamore revealed Bimbo Bakeries’ … Continue reading →

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“tougher” and “durable” aren’t puffery for shingles

Posted on April 5, 2018 by rtushnet

Stern v. Maibec Inc., 2018 WL 1586323, No. 11-cv-3951(PGS)(TJB) (D.N.J. Apr. 2, 2018) Maibec makes eastern white cedar shingles and offers a 50-year limited warranty against wood decay and a warranty against stain failure. Its website touted eastern white cedar … Continue reading →

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Puzzle/IP overlap with character figures

Posted on April 3, 2018 by rtushnet

This delightful vintage puzzle contains whimsies in the shape of once popular cartoon characters–some I can ID, like Popeye, while others are more elusive.  Suggestions welcome. Add caption Upside down but complete from Blogger https://ift.tt/2uIHAwe

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Lost goodwill isn’t irreparable harm without more specifics, court says

Posted on April 3, 2018 by rtushnet

Alfasigma USA, Inc. v. Nivagen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., No. 17-cv-01974-MCE-GGH, 2018 WL 1567820 (E.D. Cal. Mar. 30, 2018) The parties make “medical foods,” which are intended to be used under a doctor’s supervision; subscriptions for their use are common though not … Continue reading →

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An actual jury verdict favoring plaintiff in false advertising case based on false patent claims

Posted on April 2, 2018 by rtushnet

Hillman Group, Inc. v. Minute Key Inc., No. 13-cv-00707, 2018 WL 1532526 (S.D. Ohio Mar. 29, 2018) Here’s a reminder that meaningless macho banter about the competition can come back to haunt you.  The parties compete in the self-service, automatic … Continue reading →

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Can the argument that third party users of a term are engaged in nominative fair use defeat a genericism claim?

Posted on April 2, 2018 by rtushnet

Illinois Tamale Co. v. El-Greg, Inc., 2018 WL 1534971, No. 16 C 5387 (N.D. Ill. Mar. 29, 2018) This case raises the interesting question of whether it’s possible to distinguish nominative fair uses from generic uses when looking at online … Continue reading →

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Timeshare company can sue anti-timeshare law firm under Florida unfair competition law

Posted on April 2, 2018 by rtushnet

Orange Lake Country Club, Inc. v. Castle Law Group, P.C., No: 17-cv-1044-Orl-31DCI, 2018 WL 1535719 (M.D. Fla. Mar. 29, 2018) Plaintiffs are entities involved in selling timeshares; defendants promise to help timeshare owners get out of their contracts. Defendants allegedly … Continue reading →

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