Patent and Trademark Office news stories on Newser

Facebook Gets Closer to 'Face' Trademark

Evann Gastaldo — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:12:07 CST

Facebook is thisclose to getting its desired trademark on the word “face,” at least when it comes to online chat rooms or bulletin boards. The US Patent and Trademark Office gave the social networking giant a notice of allowance this week, Inside Facebook reports. Now, Facebook must file a statement...

Patent Office Removes Marijuana Category

Kevin Spak — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:04:58 CDT

For three tantalizing months, the medical marijuana industry thought it had a chance to finally be recognized by a federal agency. The US Patent and Trademark Office had created a new trademark category specifically for medical marijuana, and dealers from all 14 states where the stuff is legal bombarded it...

Abercrombie Sues Beyoncé Over Fierce Fragrance

Matt Cantor — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:56:27 CDT

Abercrombie & Fitch has filed a lawsuit against Beyoncé in a tussle over her new fragrance, named for alter ego Sasha Fierce, Women's Wear Daily reports. A&F says it has owned the Fierce trademark since 2003, and that her plan "poses a likelihood of confusion" in the big-bucks market—this...

Lizzie Borden's Hometown Museum Wins Rights to Name

Nick McMaster — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:32:59 CDT

Lizzie Borden would be so proud. Merchandise bearing her name is now the exclusive property of her hometown Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast in Fall River, Mass., the Boston Globe reports. The B&B prevailed before the US Patent and Trademark Office in securing the rights to the infamous spinster’s name....

Jackson's Legendary Lean: It's Patented

Harry Kimball — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:36:15 CDT

When Michael Jackson and his dancers leaned over at a gravity-defying angle for the “Smooth Criminal” music video, it was pretty cool. When he replicated the stunt for his live show, fans were flabbergasted. And MJ apparently thought the trick was worth protecting, ABC News reports: In 1992, he and...

Suit Challenges Patenting of Cancer Genes

Harry Kimball — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:39:02 CDT

A group of breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients has filed suit against the Patent Office for allowing a company to patent two human genes, the Courthouse News Service reports. The plaintiffs, who also include medical organizations and the ACLU, allege that Myriad Genetics' patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2...

D'Oh!: 17 Sounds You Know

Debra Goldberg — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:55:10 CDT

Harley-Davidson's attempt to trademark its “Hog Call” V-twin engine sound stalled, but about 300 sounds have made the cut. Mental Floss sounds off on the 17 best-known: The first trademarked sound: NBC’s chimes, the notes G, E, C MGM’s lion’s roar

Senate to Mull Patent Law That Shields Big Biz

Sam Biddle — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:49:02 CST

The Senate is planning to look at a patent bill that would limit damage awards and tip the balance of power between corporations and smaller upstarts, the New York Times reports. Backers say the bill will curb gratuitous lawsuits filed against technology giants by speculators known derisively as "patent trolls....

Court Blocks New Patent Rules

Peter Fearon — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:40:03 CDT

A Federal judge has blocked the US Patent and Trademark Office from implementing tough new patent rules with a temporary injunction in a suit brought by GlaxoSmithKline. The Wall Street Journal reports the new rules would have limited the number of times patent holders may make minor changes to existing...