Warner Bros. Faces Copyright Lawsuit Over Superman Ahead of New Movie Release
The estate of Joseph Shuster, the co-creator of Superman, has filed a copyright lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery ahead of the July release of a new "Superman" movie. Filed in the New York federal court, the lawsuit claims that under British law, Shuster's rights to the character reverted to his estate in 2017, 25 years after his death. The estate alleges that Warner Bros. has failed to pay the required royalties for using Superman in countries outside the United States, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. They are seeking monetary damages and an injunction to prevent Warner Bros. from depicting Superman without proper licensing. Warner Bros. has stated its intent to "vigorously defend" against the lawsuit.
German Court Rules Birkenstock Sandals Not Eligible for Copyright Protection
Germany's Federal Court of Justice has ruled that Birkenstock's iconic sandal designs, including the Madrid, Arizona, Boston, and Gizeh models, do not qualify for copyright protection. The court determined that these designs lack the necessary level of artistic creativity, as technical and functional requirements primarily dictate them. This decision upholds previous rulings by the Higher Regional Court of Cologne and overturns earlier decisions by the Regional Court of Cologne that had favored Birkenstock. Despite this setback, Birkenstock intends to continue its legal efforts against imitators in various jurisdictions.
UK Musicians and Newspapers Protest AI Copyright Law Changes
Over 1,000 UK musicians, including Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Damon Albarn, have released a silent album titled "Is This What We Want?" to protest proposed changes to UK copyright law concerning artificial intelligence (AI). The government's plan would allow AI companies to use creators' content without permission unless rights holders opt-out, a process artists argue is burdensome. The album features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, symbolizing the potential erasure of human creativity. In a coordinated effort, major UK newspapers have also launched the "Make it Fair" campaign, featuring front-page ads opposing the proposals. Authors and musicians, including Paul McCartney and Elton John, warn that the changes could lead to widespread exploitation of creative works by AI firms without fair compensation.
Pokémon Company Settles Copyright Lawsuit Over Infringing Mobile Game
The Pokémon Company has settled a copyright infringement lawsuit against Chinese developers Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology and Khorgos Fangchi Network Technology, creators of the mobile game “Pocket Monster: Remake”. Released in 2015, the game reportedly earned over $40 million by 2016. In 2022, The Pokémon Company sued for $72.5 million in damages, alleging unauthorized use of its intellectual property. A Shenzhen court ruled in favor of The Pokémon Company in September 2024, ordering the defendants to pay $15 million. Following an appeal, a mediated settlement was reached in December 2024, with the developers issuing a public apology and agreeing to pay a substantial, undisclosed amount. The developers acknowledged their infringement and the resulting economic and reputational harm.
Thomson Reuters Prevails in AI Copyright Fair Use Lawsuit Against Ross Intelligence
In a landmark decision, U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas ruled that Ross Intelligence infringed upon Thomson Reuters' copyrights by using content from its Westlaw legal research platform to develop a competing AI-based legal tool. This case marks the first U.S. ruling addressing fair use in the context of AI-related copyright disputes. Judge Bibas determined that Ross's actions did not constitute fair use, emphasizing that Thomson Reuters' curated legal content is protected and cannot be replicated without authorization. This ruling has significant implications for tech companies utilizing copyrighted materials to train AI systems, as it underscores the necessity of obtaining proper permissions.
Delhi HC Orders Amazon to Pay ₹339 Crore for Trademark Infringement
The Delhi High Court has ordered Amazon Technologies Inc. to pay ₹339.25 crore in damages to Lifestyle Equities C.V. for infringing upon the 'Beverly Hills Polo Club' (BHPC) trademark. Lifestyle Equities alleged that Amazon’s private label ‘Symbol’ sold apparel featuring a logo nearly identical to BHPC, causing consumer confusion. The court found Amazon guilty of "deliberate and willful infringement," accusing the company of using its role as an intermediary, retailer, and brand owner to evade liability. The damages include ₹292.7 crore for lost royalties, ₹43.33 crore for increased advertising expenses, and ₹3.23 crore for court fees. This ruling follows a similar UK case where Lifestyle Equities also won against Amazon in March 2024, reinforcing judicial commitment to intellectual property protection.
Trump Organization Files Trademark for Metaverse and NFT Trading Platform
The Trump Organization has filed a trademark application for the "TRUMP" brand, aiming to establish a metaverse featuring branded virtual spaces and an NFT trading platform. The application, submitted by DTTM Operations LLC to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on February 24, 2025, outlines plans for a virtual ecosystem offering TRUMP-branded digital wearables, virtual dining establishments, and interactive venues. This move signifies the organization's expansion into digital assets, following previous ventures such as the launch of the TRUMP memecoin in January 2025 and investments by the family-backed World Liberty Financial. Additionally, Trump Media and Technology Group has recently filed trademarks for six investment products and announced the formation of Truth.Fi, a financial services firm with plans to invest $250 million in various projects.
Pepperdine University Sues Netflix Over 'Running Point' Trademark Infringement
Pepperdine University has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, alleging that the new comedy series "Running Point" infringes on its trademarks. The series, co-created by Mindy Kaling, features a fictional professional basketball team named the Los Angeles Waves, which Pepperdine claims closely resembles its team in name, logo, and colors. The university argues that these similarities could cause confusion and damage its reputation, especially given the show's explicit content. Despite Pepperdine's request for a temporary restraining order to halt the show's release, a California judge denied the motion, allowing "Running Point" to premiere as scheduled on February 27, 2025. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with Pepperdine seeking to prevent further use of its trademarks and requesting monetary damages.
Lenovo Wins UK Appeal for Interim License in Patent Dispute with Ericsson
Lenovo has successfully appealed in the UK to secure an interim license for the use of Ericsson's patents amid their ongoing global dispute over 4G and 5G technology licensing terms. The Court of Appeal overturned a previous decision, with Judge Richard Arnold stating that a willing licensor in Ericsson's position would agree to such a license. This ruling requires Lenovo to pay a substantial interim fee to Ericsson, estimated in the nine-figure dollar range. The legal battle centers on establishing fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms for patent usage, with related cases also occurring in Brazil, Colombia, and the United States. Lenovo's Chief Legal Officer, Laura Quatela, emphasized the company's commitment to transparency and fairness in global FRAND licensing. Ericsson has yet to comment on the ruling.
Puma and Brooks Settle Running Shoe Patent and Trademark Disputes
Puma and Brooks Sports have reached a confidential settlement resolving their legal disputes over patent and trademark claims related to running shoe designs and marketing. The litigation began in 2022 when Puma alleged that Brooks' use of "Nitro" in advertising infringed on Puma's trademark and that Brooks' shoe designs violated Puma's foam-molding technology patent. Brooks denied these allegations, stating that "Nitro" referred to its nitrogen-infused midsoles. Subsequent lawsuits were filed by both companies, but they have now jointly requested the dismissal of all cases with prejudice, preventing future refiling.
Gaziantep's Menengic Coffee Receives EU Geographical Indication
Gaziantep Menengic Coffee, a traditional Turkish beverage made from roasted terebinth fruits, has been granted geographical indication status by the European Union, becoming Türkiye's 29th product to receive this recognition. Known for its rich, nutty flavor, creamy texture, and natural caffeine-free composition, Menengic Coffee is a popular choice for those seeking a milder coffee experience. This designation not only protects the product's authenticity but also promotes its unique regional heritage internationally.
Gujarat's 'Gharchola' Handicraft Awarded Geographical Indication Tag
Gujarat's traditional 'Gharchola' handicraft has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Indian government, marking the state's 27th GI-certified product, with 23 in the handicraft sector. The recognition was conferred during the "GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak" event in New Delhi. 'Gharchola' is renowned for its intricate designs and vibrant colors, commonly used in sarees and home décor items. The GI tag safeguards the unique craftsmanship and quality of 'Gharchola,' enhancing its market value and global reputation while preventing misuse by non-authentic producers. This acknowledgment supports local artisans and promotes Gujarat's rich artisanal heritage.
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