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Intellectual Property Law

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Washington Journal of Law, Technology & Arts

Journal

2005

Articles 1 - 4 of 4

Full-Text Articles in Law

American And French Perspectives On Trademark Keying: The Courts Leave Businesses Searching For Answers, Terrance J. Keenan Dec 2005

American And French Perspectives On Trademark Keying: The Courts Leave Businesses Searching For Answers, Terrance J. Keenan

Washington Journal of Law, Technology & Arts

Trademark owners in America and Europe are attacking the lucrative practice of selling search results and advertising linked to searches based on product names and trademarks, which is known as trademark keying. From makers of luxury products to travel companies, and insurance companies to home décor vendors, companies have sued Internet search providers to stop this practice that they believe amounts to trademark infringement. Recent cases against search engine companies in American and French courts reflect divergent views on the legality of the practice at this early stage of the debate. This Article evaluates recent rulings in both jurisdictions which …


Trademarkdilution.Com: Nissan Motor Co. V. Nissan Computer Corp., And The Evolving Law Of Trademark Dilution On The Internet, Lawrence F. Rosznyai Aug 2005

Trademarkdilution.Com: Nissan Motor Co. V. Nissan Computer Corp., And The Evolving Law Of Trademark Dilution On The Internet, Lawrence F. Rosznyai

Washington Journal of Law, Technology & Arts

The Ninth Circuit recently held that an individual, Mr. Uzi Nissan, infringed the trademark of Nissan Motors when he registered and posted commercial content on www.nissan.com. An injunction was granted, barring Mr. Uzi from using the site commercially. Although the trademark dilution claim was remanded, the Ninth Circuit’s opinion favors a finding of dilution on remand. Additional arguments involving the property-right-in-gross theory of dilution, reverse domain name hijacking, and actual consumer behavior on the Internet should be used by the parties to bolster their cases and encourage a decision from the district court that will advance trademark law on the …


A Few Degrees Off The Mark: Miniature Missteps That Can Render The Safe Harbors Of The Dmca Inaccessible, Nicole J. Nyman Aug 2005

A Few Degrees Off The Mark: Miniature Missteps That Can Render The Safe Harbors Of The Dmca Inaccessible, Nicole J. Nyman

Washington Journal of Law, Technology & Arts

The term Internet Service Provider (“ISP”), as defined by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”), includes virtually any online service. These services are eligible for safe harbor protections under the DMCA when they fulfill certain enumerated requirements. However, minor missteps can leave ISPs unprotected and exposed to liability for copyright infringement. This Article will discuss, through a survey of recent cases, several such mistakes made by ISPs and tips to avoid them.


Pop Goes The Trademark? Competitive Advertising On The Internet, Kendall Bodden Aug 2005

Pop Goes The Trademark? Competitive Advertising On The Internet, Kendall Bodden

Washington Journal of Law, Technology & Arts

The rights and obligations of online advertisers are uncertain in light of recent technological developments. There is not yet a consensus regarding the application of existing advertising law doctrines to the use of trademarks to trigger search result ads or “pop-up” ads on the Internet. However, the developing majority position will allow trademark-triggered ads that properly identify their source, and who’s content is not confusing to consumers. In addition, pending legislation may restrict or even outlaw adware.