Gibson Guitars v. Viacom: Are Trademark Licensors Liable For Their Licensees' Infringement?

BY OLIVER HERZFELD, FORBES IP COUNSEL, JUNE 25, 2013 - In a prior article, I reviewed the laws of trademark licensor liability for injuries caused by defective licensed products. In a similar vein, the recent case of Gibson Guitar v. Viacom presents an excellent opportunity to review the laws of licensor liability for a licensee’s infringement of a third party’s trademarks.

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Beanstalk Partners with Internationally Renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck

June 18, 2013, New York, NY., - Leading global brand licensing agency and consultancy, Beanstalk, has partnered with celebrity chef and restaurateur, Wolfgang Puck, to extend his brand into additional food, beverage and other complementary categories. Beanstalk will leverage Wolfgang Puck’s association with natural, artisanal and delicious food to bring product to the grocery aisle that uses high-quality, innovative and predominantly organic ingredients.

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La Tasca Tapas Bar and Restaurant Taps into General Retail Distribution with Beanstalk

June 17, 2013, London, U.K., – Authentic Spanish tapas bar and dining destination La Tasca today announced plans to extend the brand into mainstream retail distribution across the UK, working with leading global brand licensing agency Beanstalk. Starting with extension in key food categories inspired by head chef Antony Bennett’s most popular dishes, Beanstalk will also be looking for licensing partners for La Tasca in non-food classifications such as cookware, publishing and gift items.

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FENDER® and BEANSTALK Bring Rock-N-Roll Spirit to Europe

June 17 2013, London, U.K., – Iconic American music lifestyle brand, Fender, today announced plans to expand its licensing footprint in Europe, working with prominent global brand licensing agency, Beanstalk. Building on Fender’s iconic identity as pioneers of all things music, including the rock-n-roll revolution, Beanstalk will seek to secure agreements with best-in-class licensing partners to create high quality, music-centric products that reflect consumers’ passion for music and the Fender brand.

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The Jel Sert Company to Launch Chiquita™ Fruit Bites Under a License with Chiquita Brands

June 17, 2013, New York, NY., – Chiquita Brands and The Jel Sert Company have partnered in a licensing agreement to launch Chiquita Fruit Bites, a great tasting fruit snack. Chiquita is a market leader in the global distribution of bananas with one of the most recognized produce brands, offering nutritious, high-quality fresh and value-added food products. Jel Sert is a leading manufacturer of freezer bars, diet drinks, gelatins, puddings and frozen desserts.

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Wedding and Event Planner Mindy Weiss Joins Beanstalk’s Roster

June 14, 2013, New York, N.Y., – Beanstalk, a leading global brand licensing agency and consultancy, today announced a business partnership with wedding and entertaining expert, Mindy Weiss. As Mindy’s licensing agency of record, Beanstalk will leverage its resources to translate the unparalleled expertise and impeccable style of Mindy Weiss to launch a bridal program that offers couples exquisitely designed products at an unmatched value. Beanstalk will launch the program across multiple categories including bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, jewelry, accessories, floral arrangements, stationery and more.

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Protecting 3D Printing Designs And Objects: Part Three

BY OLIVER HERZFELD, FORBES IP COUNSEL, JUNE 12, 2013 - In my prior two installments of this three-part series (available here and here), I reviewed protections available for 3D printing designs and objects under U.S. copyright and patent law. I will conclude with a review of such protections under U.S. trademark, trade dress, and trade secret law.

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Beanstalk Launches New Digital Licensing Division, Tinderbox

June 12, 2013, New York, N.Y., – Beanstalk, a leading global brand licensing agency, today announced the official launch of Tinderbox, a new division dedicated to working with digital brands to realize their potential in the world of consumer products. Tinderbox will operate as a division of Beanstalk, which has nearly three decades of experience in the licencing industry, and will be led by a dedicated team specializing in digital properties.

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Premier Restaurant Group, Shula’s Steak House, Joins Beanstalk’s Client Roster

June 11, 2013, New York, N.Y., – Beanstalk, a leading brand agency and consultancy, has announced plans to extend the signature restaurant group, Shula’s Steak Houses, LLLP through licensing. Beanstalk will leverage Shula’s high quality food, great service and exclusive SHULA CUT® to complementary food and beverage products including frozen meals, frozen potatoes, appetizers, soups, sauces, condiments, dry spice rubs and non-alcoholic drinks. Beanstalk will also continue to build upon Shula’s association with sports by extending into tailgating gear, including grills and grill accessories.

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Protecting 3D Printing Designs And Objects: Part Two

BY OLIVER HERZFELD, FORBES IP COUNSEL, JUNE 5, 2013 - In my first installment of this three-part series (available here), I commenced a review of protections available for 3D printing designs and objects under U.S. intellectual property law with a focus on copyrights. I will continue with a review of such protections under U.S. utility and design patent law.

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Protecting 3D Printing Designs And Objects

BY OLIVER HERZFELD, FORBES IP COUNSEL, MAY 29, 2013 - The popularity of 3D printing has been increasing dramatically while the prices for such printers have been rapidly decreasing. In addition to toys and gadgets, real-world practical uses include a virtually unlimited number of potential devices and replacement parts for the aerospace, automotive, medical, military and other industries. Not surprisingly, this relatively new technology has raised many legal issues. For example, Senator Charles E. Schumer has called for legislation banning 3D printed guns since manufacturing such plastic weapons could easily circumvent background checks, registration requirements and metal detectors. And a new type of 3D printer could use chemical inks to quickly print legal and useful chemical compositions such as authorized pharmaceuticals and vaccines, but also illegal drugs and chemical weapons such as ricin or chlorine gas. An important category of legal issues relating to 3D printing involves the protection of 3D designs and objects under intellectual property laws. This series of three posts will review and summarize such protections under US intellectual property law starting with copyrights.

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