Philosophy is a tricky thing. The questions wrestled with often seem simple, but a deeper dive into an issue shows the complications. One example is the famous question, if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Another that...
Month: October 2017
Is scope of publicity rights being put to the test in Ali case?
Even if you aren't a boxing fan, you likely know who is being talked about when the words, "I am the greatest" are heard. Heavyweight legend Muhammad Ali is the man identified with that phrase, even 40 years after he first uttered the words. Ali died last year.Ali...
Comic convention lawsuit: ‘Genericide’ in action?
In our last post, we explored the issue of "genericide." As we discussed, the genericization of a product or a brand is something that attentive business people want to avoid. The risk is that if a trademark isn't defended and the product or service it's associated...
How can I avoid the hazards of ‘genericide’?
Some readers with receding hairlines or graying tresses will remember the age of generic products. Back in the 1980s, goods from bleach to spaghetti noodles started appearing in grocery stores. They stood out for what they lacked - specifically colorful labels,...
4 ways startup founders can prevent trade secret lawsuits
4 ways startup founders can prevent trade secret lawsuitsLawsuits from an old employer can add up to expensive legal problems for a new business owner. Many startup founders face accusations from their old employers, claiming that they stole trade secrets. Startup...