In this article, we discuss the perils of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. While many have heralded the introduction of blockchain technology, there are still many issues with the new technology.
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In this article, we focus on virtual currencies and blockchain technology. Blockchains validate the coins that make up the cryptocurrency. Blockchains are records that continuously grow. They are linked and secured using cryptography.
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Cryptocurrency is a new term that refers to a digital asset that operates as a medium of exchange. It is similar to traditional currency like the U.S. dollar and because cryptocurrency allows holders of that particular currency to exchange it in an identical manner to traditional money.
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DMCA exemptions and safe harbors exist to grant access if prohibition can be demonstrated to have a substantial adverse effect on the ability of people to make non-infringing uses of copyrighted works. These exemption rules are reviewed and revised every three years.
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With whispers and rumors of Spotify hitting the stock market possibly later this year, speculation of Spotify's business value increase. Potential investors and critics of the streaming service have re-focused on lawsuits that loom over the service.
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Trade secrets come in many forms, such as recipes, mailing lists, special methods, processes – anything that gives the owner an advantage over competitors. Therefore, protecting a trade secret and keeping it from the hands of competitors is fundamental to protecting and maintaining trade secret rights.
Read MoreThe Supreme Court validated Inter Partes Review in Cuozzo Speed Technologies v. Lee. Cuozzo presented the Supreme Court with two questions - whether patent holders can seek judicial review of the PTO’s decision to institute a review and whether the case questioned the standard involved for evaluating patent claims in challenged patents.
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The USPTO changed the way to revive abandoned, expired, or cancelled trademark applications and registrations. These new trademark procedures provide more precise timing for petitions to revive.
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If a company maintains some trademarks worldwide and others only regionally, this may leave that brand open to claims of trademark infringement, unfair competition, or even abandonment. Read more about international trademark protection.
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Companies who allow website users to generate and post content on their websites must reregister their Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”) agents with the U.S. Copyright Office by December 31, 2017, or risk losing all safe harbor protections against copyright infringement under the DMCA.
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Building and protecting a brand is integral to becoming successful. As such, brands and trademarks become extremely valuable assets of a company or entrepreneur, and should be properly managed, registered, and protected.
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The Supreme Court partially struck down law barring registration of marks that are considered disparaging in the landmark decision Matal v. Tam. The Court affirmed the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals decision to allow an Asian American music group to trademark “The Slants” for their band name, even though the USPTO previously rejected registration on the grounds that the mark was a racial slur.
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Dr. Seuss’s estate filed a lawsuit against Gerrold - Star Trek on claims of copyright and trademark infringement. At issue is a comic that was co-written by Gerrold called “Oh the Places You’ll Boldly Go.” The comic combines recognizable elements from both the Star Trek universe and Dr. Seuss’s copyrights.
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Wickr is a mobile messaging application that allows for the auto-deletion of messages and requirement of passcodes to retrieve messages. No law prohibits companies from using such applications, but the rules of evidentiary procedure generally require companies to preserve records that may be deemed relevant to litigation. As such, Uber’s mere use of Wickr is the first major case to raise the issue of encryption and automated-deletion within companies.
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After admitting that they paid $100,000 to hackers in exchange for their silence regarding a data breach, Uber is now being sued over the breach that resulted in the theft of approximately 57 million people’s personal information and the disclosure of 600,000 Uber drivers’ license numbers.
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Starbuck’s ongoing issues with trademark registration at the USPTO. This article covers the type of issues involved with trademark prosecution and the nuances in drafting applications and submission of proper specimens to avoid unnecessary delays and costs in prosecution.
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Twitter sued by photographer Kristen Pierson over alleged copyright infringement. Pierson claims Twitter’s delay in removing the infringing content caused her damages under the DMCA.
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Europe’s implementation of the General Data Regulation Protection, GDPR, comes in direct conflict with ICANN’s generally accepted guidelines provided by ICANN regarding domain name registries and the personal information published publicly when a citizen registers a domain. ICANN’s push for transparency may come to an end.
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Can Halloween costumes be protected under intellectual properly law? Read about Rasta Imposta’s lawsuit against Kmart after Kmart switched suppliers of its Banana Halloween costume.
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Classixx v H&M: Los Angeles based electronic dance duo Classixx starts a trademark battle with clothing giant H&M. Blog authored by Klemchuk LLP, a trademark litigation law firm.
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