Photo of JC Zwisler

The phrase “Boston Strong” became a rallying cry for the strength and support Bostonians displayed after an act of terrorism. 

In 2013, two brothers planted bombs near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Copley Square.  Three people were killed, and hundreds were injured.  Residents of Boston and surrounding neighborhoods were told to stay

You’ve heard the name Labubu and have likely seen the wildly popular collectible plush toy. The craze around these dolls is reminiscent of times past when we (or perhaps a family member) all wanted Beanie Babies, Cabbage Patch Kids, or Troll dolls. This spike in popularity has brought about counterfeit LABUBU toys dubbed “Lafufus.” These

Co-Author: Samiksha Johri LLM, Associate at Graves Law Group, LLC

With countless parties offering streaming based services, the boundaries between legal and illegal content distribution have become increasingly blurred. One case that brought this issue into focus is United States v. Dallmann et al. 2:22-cr-00030 (D. Nev.), better known as the “Jetflicks” case. This case

A day after announcing that “fair use” would not shield AI training models against potential copyright infringement, President Donald Trump fired Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights, and her superior, Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden. These layoffs may shape the future of copyright law in the age of AI.

Legal and Constitutional Concerns

Perlmutter’s dismissal on May

Originally posted on Seyfarth’s The Blunt Truth blog.

I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a TOYS R US kid. So, many of us grew up with this commercial jingle and it along with the brand brings back positive memories of celebrating birthdays and holidays. But what happens when a company operating in a not so kid-friendly field starts using a trademark similar to that of the TOYS R US mark? 

In a case that blends nostalgia with modern controversy, Tru Kids Inc., the owner of the TOYS R US mark, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut against a vape and cannabis retailer operating under the name VAPE R US. The complaint alleges trademark infringement, dilution, false designation of origin, and unfair competition under both federal and state law. Tru Kids Inc. v. Vape R Us, Inc. et al, 3:25-cv-00781-VAB (D.Conn.). 

At the heart of the dispute is the retailer’s use of branding that closely mirrors the iconic TOYS R US trademark and others associated with the brand. According to the complaint, the vape shop’s signage features multicolored bubble letters, a reversed “R” with a star, and even a depiction of Geoffrey the Giraffe. The long-standing mascot of the toy brand appears with a not so familiar “toy”—a vaping device.Continue Reading I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I’m a What Kind of Kid? Toys R Us Takes on Vape R Us in Trademark Battle

On Thursday, April 24, Seyfarth IP associate and International Trademark Association (INTA) Digital Event Committee member, JC Zwisler, will be a featured panelist in the International Trademark Association (INTA)’s virtual program: “INTA FOMO – How to Get to, and Make the Most of, The Annual Meeting”

Hosted by INTA’s Digital Events Committee, this practical and

Originally posted on Seyfarth’s The Blunt Truth blog.

Last year, the case of BBK Tobacco & Foods LLP v. Central Agriculture Inc. made headlines in the trademark world when the Ninth Circuit held that district courts have jurisdiction to alter or cancel trademark applications.  97 F.4th 668 (9th Cir. 2024). 

Once again, the case is

If you’re “wirkin” to save up the money for a BIRKIN bag, you may be waiting a long time. And it may be just as hard to get an imitation version, based on the recent shutdown of a couple of foreign manufacturers’ attempts at selling what has been dubbed the “Wirkin” by consumers on Walmart’s

A longstanding Australian brand, UGG Since 1974, is fighting for the right to use its UGG trademark for footwear in the United States. Deckers Outdoor Corporation, a US-based shoe company, filed a lawsuit against the Australian brand’s holding company in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging that it has prior