Andrea Shannon (US)

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Pepe the Frog: A Case Study On When Copyrightable Content Takes On New Meaning

By Andrea Shannon (US) on November 28, 2017 Posted in Copyright

After making headlines in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Pepe the Frog is back in the news again. This time, for the copyright enforcement efforts that Pepe’s creator is pursuing against unauthorized uses of the character by certain social media personalities and social media forums.… Continue reading

That’s My Mark! Enforcing Trademark Rights on Social Media

By Andrea Shannon (US) on September 6, 2016 Posted in Trademark

It is no doubt surprising and frustrating for brand owners when they find that someone has appropriated their trademarks on social media. A few of the common scenarios include: small competitors modifying logos and passing them off as their own; unauthorized distributors using logos and trademarks on their social media advertising; and social media users … Continue reading

A recipe for confusion: TTAB denies registration of “JAWS” for online cooking show

By Andrea Shannon (US) on April 5, 2016 Posted in Trademark

Diving head first into the deep end, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (“TTAB”), recently decided whether a chef’s application to register “JAWS” for an online cooking channel should sink or swim. In re Mr. Recipe, LLC. The precedential decision is useful for anyone wishing to learn more about the role that a famous trademark, … Continue reading

Consumer confusion with marketing on social media

By Andrea Shannon (US) on December 12, 2014 Posted in Trademark

Social media often serves as a powerful mechanism that trademark owners can employ to promote and expand their brands, but a case currently pending in the Southern District of California illustrates just how easily social media can also be used to spread consumer confusion. In Faegin v. LivingSocial, Inc., No. 14CV00418-WQH-KSC, 2014 WL 5307186, at … Continue reading