As reported earlier this week in The Los Angeles Times e-newsletter, the City of Placerville, located in the Gold Mining region of northern California, stirred up unexpected controversy when the city counsel voted to revise the city's logo by removing a noose hanging in a tree in the background behind a prospector panning for gold. "Anyone with even a passing knowledge of California history is familiar with the events of Jan. 24, 1848, when a man named James W. Marshall disc

Exercise bike manufacturer, Peloton, has filed petitions with the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to cancel Mad Dogg Athletics’ registrations for the SPIN and SPINNING trademarks. #Peloton #Exercise #Biking #Gym #Spin #Spinning #USPTO #TTAB #Trademarks #Branding #IntellectualProperty #IPlawyer #OCLawyer #DavidBaker

In a move that probably surprised Mrs. Potato Head, Hasbro recently announced that it was dropping the “Mr.” from the popular plastic toy Mr. Potato Head and would now market him as gender neutral. #Hasbro #MrPotatoHead #GenderFluid #Toys #Branding #Trademarks #Copyrights #IntellectualProeprty #IPLawyer #OCLawyer #DavidBaker

Quaker Oats is releasing a new name and logo for its "Aunt Jemima" products, finally retiring the racist stereotype that has adorned its pancake mixes and syrups for decades. The “new” brand name, Pearl Milling Company, is actually the name of the 19th century business that created the original ready-made pancake mix which became famous under the soon-to-be retired moniker. #AuntJemima #QuakerOats #branding #trademarks #intellectualproperty #intellectualpropertylaw #DavidBake

As if we need another reason to celebrate one of the most iconic films series of all time, it's officially Star Wars Day. May 4, celebrates George Lucas ' Star Wars. It is observed by fans of the media franchise. Observance of the commemorative day spread quickly through media and grassroots celebrations. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase " May the Force be with you " as " May the Fourth be with you". According to Wikipedia, “Star Wars is an American epic sp

Comparing itself to the behemoth that is San Diego Comic, Con, the San Diego Comic Fest bills itself as the friendly comic convention with a casual atmosphere and an intimate scale that allows fans to mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors. It’s the place where you can indulge your love of comics, science fiction, and films, and meet an outstanding array of professional creators without high-priced tickets, crowding, or long lines. This year’s event, the 7th Fest,

Did you have a favorite? The Snickers Hole. Cheetos Fingers. The Car That Parked Itself. Baby Mr. Peanut. Super Bowl Monday Off. The Tide Stain Later. The Bud Light Knight. President Trump. Whether you watched The Big Game as a fan of the Chiefs or the 49ers or as a fan of the NFL (#GoRams and #GoBolts) or as a JLo and Shakira devotee, you almost certainly saw your fair share of commercials. The branding was rampant and it was expensive, but was any of it good enough to be

Trademarks - Understand the basics