Virginia Tech seeks to control memorial apparel

According to an editorial in Collegiatetimes.com, Virginia Tech is using its trademark rights to ensure that memorial apparel is done appropriately.

Court denies Asics’ motion for injunctive relief

On April 25, 2007, the US District Court for the Central District of California denied Asics’ motion for a preliminary injunction against Skechers.  The Court held that Asics failed to show that it is likely to succeed in its trademark infringement suit against Skechers.  The full story can be found here.

Hasidic groups litigate over “BOBOV” name

As discussed here and here, two Hasidic groups are fighting over the registration and use of the term "BOBOV." 

KU sues t-shirt maker for trademark infringement

Kansas University sues t-shirt maker Joe-College.com for selling t-shirts that allegedly infringe the University’s trademarks.  According to the Lawrence Journal-World & News, KU earned nearly $1 million dollars last year in royalties generated from licensing its trademarks.  According to the owner of Joe-College.com, none of the shirts are intended to be associated with the University.

College athletics has become big business on several levels, inlcuding apparel.  Trademarks are intended to identify the source or origin of goods or services with which they are used in order to prevent consumer confusion.  A trademark owner does not have the absolute right to remove a word, symbol, etc. from public usage.  Instead, only those uses that are likely to confuse consumers as to the source or origin of the goods or as to whether there is some affilation or relationship between the parties are prohibited.