JotKulture

Meghan Markle’s new brand, American Riviera Orchard, was denied a trademark because the USPTO will not register a trademarks for names  that primarily describe geographic locations but are not geographical indications (like wine names).  “American Riviera” is a nickname for the Santa Barbara, California area.  Adding "Orchard" wasn’t enough to get past the prohibition on such marks. Key Takeaway: Trademarks need to be distinctive. This means the mark  should not  simply  describe a place or a feature of the product. When choosing a brand name for your business,  aim for something that stands out and avoid relying on names that simply identify a geographic area. #TrademarkTips #Branding #Business #IPLaw "Meghan Markle - 2018 (cropped)" by Northern Ireland Office is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://lnkd.in/egQG6BvQ.

Toy maker MGA Entertainment has been ordered to pay $71.5M after a jury found that their "L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G." dolls infringed on the name, likeness, and style of teen pop group OMG Girlz. This legal battle, backed by Tameka "Tiny" Harris and T.I., was all about protecting the distinct identity and creative expression of the group. This case shows how important it is to respect creative boundaries and intellectual property in the business world. The line between cultural appreciation and appropriation can sometimes be thin, but this verdict reinforces that borrowing too closely from others' unique styles can come with a price tag. Props to OMG Girlz for standing up for their creative rights. It's a powerful reminder of the value of original ideas and the importance of fair recognition. #OMGGirlz #IntellectualProperty #CreativeRights #CulturalBoundaries #RespectCreativity

Dussehra is celebrated with rich traditions across India, each region adding its own cultural flair. In northern India, you’ll find dramatic reenactments of the Ramayana, known as "Ramlila," culminating in the burning of massive effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. These fiery spectacles are a highlight, often accompanied by fireworks and large crowds. In Mysore, Karnataka, Dussehra takes on a regal tone. The streets come alive with a grand procession led by ornately decorated elephants, musicians, and dancers. The Mysore Palace is illuminated, turning the entire city into a festival of lights. It's a celebration that blends mythology with local culture, showcasing the diversity in how the festival is honored across India. "Dusshera celebrations" by Shifupanda is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://lnkd.in/dstpFc4c.

Navratri and Durga Puja, two cultural festivals celebrated differently across India, share one powerful theme: honoring Goddess Durga and her victory over evil. Navratri is observed across the country with nine nights of dance, fasting, and devotion, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Each night represents a different form of Durga, bringing communities together for Garba and Dandiya. Durga Puja, particularly in West Bengal, elevates this reverence into a grand cultural event. Magnificent "pandals" house beautifully crafted idols of Durga, celebrating her triumph over the demon Mahishasura. From prayers to feasting, it’s a spectacle of devotion and artistry. Both festivals remind us of Durga’s strength and the timeless fight against darkness.

@HABIBA.Jewellery , founded by Sonia Feki, is a shining example of the importance of  trademark protection for global brands. Created to honor her mother and preserve traditional Tunisian craftsmanship, HABIBA offers elegant, handmade jewelry that has captivated audiences across Africa and the Middle East. Before selling any jewellry, the company focused on developing its products and branding. Sonia used Tunisia's national system to register her trademark and then later expanded protection using  the WIPO Madrid System. This allowed her to secure protection in  key markets like Egypt and the Ivory Coast. This trademark strategy has not only safeguarded HABIBA from imitation but also helped fuel  its international growth. By protecting her brand with trademarks, Sonia has ensured that HABIBA continues to thrive and promote Tunisian artistry on a global scale. #TrademarkSpotlight #IPSuccess #HABIBA #GlobalGrowth #TunisianCraftsmanship

TikTok creator Jools Lebron's viral catchphrase, "very demure, very mindful," is a reminder of why it is important to seek trademark protection early.  Despite amassing over 51M views since August and securing brand deals, her attempt to trademark the phrase hit a snag. A person, unrelated to her brand filed a trademark application for “very demure… very mindful….” on Aug. 20, nine days before Lebron's application for similar services. Both applications are currently pending. Applying early  matters because the federal trademark system gives preference to the “first to file” the trademark application. Entrepreneurs, social media influencers, and content creators may not think of themselves as brands until it's too late.  Once a trend takes off, unrelated individuals may seek trademark protection first.  Bad-faith filings, made by unrelated individuals  seeking to profit off the phrase can delay approvals as the creator has to go through the process of contesting the other application. No matter how small your business, platform or brand is, early protection is vital!

Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day both fall on October 14, 2024. Columbus Day has become controversial in recent years. Some people do not celebrate Columbus Day because of the harm suffered by indigenous peoples in North America during  the colonization of the americas. Indigenous Peoples Day is a day that is a celebration of indigenous peoples in the Americas. It was first advanced internationally in 1977 and embraced in Berkeley, California in 1992. #indigenousheritage #indigenouspeoplesday

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we shine a light on Ellen Ochoa, a trailblazer in STEM and a true inspiration. In 1993, Ochoa made history as the first Hispanic woman to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Her remarkable journey continued as she became the Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations along the way. Ochoa’s achievements remind us of the limitless possibilities that come with dedication and passion. She has not only paved the way for women in science but also left an indelible mark on space exploration.

Digitization is offering Indigenous communities a crucial tool to preserve and share their cultural heritage. Many are using digital collections to create virtual databases and community archives, which are especially valuable for younger generations who may not have regular access to traditional practices. By making Indigenous knowledge visible in digital formats, these communities can challenge and correct historical narratives that have often misrepresented them. This allows them to take control of their stories and ensure their cultures are portrayed with accuracy and respect. #CulturalPreservation #IndigenousRights #DigitalHeritage

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it's now crossing raising intriguing questions about the intersection of technology and intellectual property law. AI-generated creative works represent a cutting-edge development, but they also pose challenges in terms of originality, ownership, and legal protection. Can a machine truly create something original, and how do we protect such creations under current IP laws? This emerging field requires us to rethink traditional concepts of creativity and innovation in the context of intellectual property.