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Josh Gerben Discusses the Future of Kobe Bryant’s Brand With AdAge

Following the news that Kobe Bryant’s estate ended its partnership with Nike, many speculated what the future of the late NBA player’s brand would look like. Given an influx in trademark filings made by the estate since Kobe’s passing (including Mamba, Herovillain and Play Gigi’s Way), it’s possible that Vanessa Bryant and family are planning to launch independent Kobe branded goods and services. Josh Gerben spoke with AdAge about the significance of recent trademark filings made by Kobe Bryant’s estate.

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Josh Gerben Breaks the News of Potential Adidas Patrick Mahomes Logo

Sports Illustrated credited Josh Gerben with revealing a new trademark filing made by Adidas on March 29. The filing consists of a ‘PM’ logo that could potentially stand for Patrick Mahomes, hinting at developments for a collaboration between the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and the footwear company.

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Josh Gerben Quoted in CNN Article Covering Nike’s Lawsuit Against Lil Nas X’s “Satan Shoes”

Lil Nas X and the art collective MSCHF Product Studio collaborated to create 666 modified Nike shoes, named “Satan Shoes,” that include a drop of human blood in the midsoles. Nike filed a lawsuit against MSCHF Product Studio, claiming trademark infringement due to likelihood of confusion. Josh Gerben was quoted in CNN further discussing the intent behind the lawsuit and the purpose of the First Sale Doctrine.

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CNN Credits Josh Gerben With Breaking News On Aunt Jemima’s New Name

Following ever-increasing backlash against the pancake and syrup brand’s racist logo, Quaker Oats filed two new trademark applications for “PEARL MILLING COMPANY”. Josh Gerben was quoted by CNN discussing how Gerben Perrott, PLLC found the trademark filings that broke the news on Aunt Jemima’s new name.

Josh Gerben Breaks Down the “BILLS MAFIA” Trademark Filings With The Buffalo News

After the Buffalo Bills filed two trademark applications for “BILLS MAFIA,” the NFL team faced significant backlash from fans on social media. The “BILLS MAFIA” phrase was created by and for the community, so many fans saw the team’s move to trademark the term as profiting off a phrase they didn’t create. Josh Gerben provided insight on the “BILLS MAFIA” trademark filings will affect merchandise and the fanbase.

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Josh Gerben Discusses A Potential Phillie Phanatic Copyright Violation With The Athletic

The year-long lawsuit between the Philadelphia Phillies and Harrison and Erickson continues as the parties seek ownership rights of the Phillie Phanatic. The design firm for the mascot, Harrison and Erickson, has asked the court for permission to refile their counter-claim to include copyright violation, citing an obscure provision of the Copyright Act that reverts sold artwork back to the artist after 35 years has passed. Josh Gerben provided insight on the possibly of the court allowing the firm to refile their counter-claim in a recent article by The Athletic.

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Josh Gerben Emphasizes the Value of An Athlete’s Trademark in ESPN Article

In an effort to protect their brands and put an end to unlicensed merchandise, professional athletes have been filing more and more trademarks for everything from nicknames to slogans. Perhaps most iconic are the brand-defining logos that have been inspired by famous images, like Michael Jordan’s Jumpman and Phil Mickelson’s leaping silhouette. Josh Gerben spoke with ESPN about the the value of an athlete’s personal brand.

Josh Gerben Provides Insight on the Fees Associated With Jimmy Butler’s “BIG FACE COFFEE” Trademark in CBS Sports Article

After bringing a french press with him to the NBA Bubble, Jimmy Butler began selling coffee to other players under the name “Big Face Coffee.” It appears he has the intention to take his coffee brand to the next level as he filed three trademark applications for the business with the USPTO on September 4. Josh Gerben spoke to CBS Sports about the filings.

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