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Giannis Antetokounmpo recently filed a new trademark application for his nickname “GREEK FREAK” in association with online gambling services. Founder Josh Gerben was mentioned in Chicago Tribune’s article as the first to break the news of the filing.
NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo recently filed trademark applications to protect his nickname “GREEK FREAK” in association with entertainment services, clothing, sports drinks and more. The decision to protect his trademarks has been accompanied by cease-and-desist letters and lawsuits to individuals selling unofficial merchandise. Josh Gerben was quoted by The Athletic discussing the intention behind the filings.
The UFC recently filed four trademark applications with the USPTO for “UFSEA.” The filings were inspired by a joke on “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” and will likely be used in association with an upcoming UFC island fight. ESPN shared founder Josh Gerben’s tweet that broke the news of the new filings and discussed its significance.
Gilead Sciences filed a trademark application to protect the design of a drug bottle that would be used for coronavirus treatment, suggesting that the company could be anticipating the release of a product soon. Josh Gerben was quoted Axios discussing why a company would trademark its packaging.
On April 6, Tom Brady’s company, TEB Capital Management, filed two trademark applications for “TOMPA BAY” and “TAMPA BRADY.” The filings indicate that Brady has an intent-to-use the trademarks in association with clothing, headwear and footwear. An NFL.com article discussing the significance of the slogans included Josh Gerben’s video analysis of the filings.
Over 120 coronavirus-related trademarks have been filed with the USPTO since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Of the many filings, only a few are likely to achieve registration. Josh Gerben was quoted by The Philadelphia Inquirer about why most of the coronavirus-related trademarks will be refused.
Following the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games due to the coronavirus pandemic, Puma was quick to file a trademark application for “PUMA TOKYO 2021.” Due to the strong trademark rights of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the application will likely be refused by USPTO. Josh Gerben was quoted by Law360 about the likelihood of Puma receiving a notice of opposition from the U.S. Olympic Committee.
AT&T Moblity as filed an opposition against trademark applicants Mark Thomann and Dormitus Brands for the word “CINGULAR.” The defendants argue that AT&T Mobility no longer has trademark rights in the word because it abandoned the name a decade ago. Eric Perrott was quoted by IPWatchDog about AT&T Mobility’s claims and the impact of zombie brands on consumer recognition.
A new legislation aimed at tackling fraudulent trademark filings was introduced to the House of Representatives on March 12, 2020. The Trademark Modernisation Act would allow for third-party evidence and establish expungement and ex parte proceedings. Eric Perrott was quoted by World Trademark Review explaining how the act could increase costs for clients.
Amazon and similar e-commerce websites have come under fire for shipping expired food from third-party sellers to consumers. As Amazon’s customer base grows, brand protection and consumer safety becomes increasingly important. Josh Gerben discussed the implications of Amazon shipping expired products for brand loyalty and trust.
A new bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 2, 2020 called the “Shop Safe Act.” The bi-partisan bill would hold e-commerce sites, such as Amazon, accountable for the harm caused by the sale of counterfeit goods. Josh Gerben was quoted by CNBC discussing the impact of the Shop Safe Act on consumer protection.
The Philadelphia Phillies recently unveiled changes to the Phillie Phanatic mascot. The update comes in the middle of a copyright lawsuit between the Philadelphia Phillies and the original costume designer, Harrison/Erickson. Josh Gerben was quoted by Bloomberg Law analyzing the reason behind the costume alterations.
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