In 1996, California voters passed the Compassionate Use Act, legalizing access to medicinal marijuana. Since 1996, the medical marijuana industry in California has grown substantially, offering patients access to cannabis-infused cookies, ice cream, candies and thousands of strains. Governor Jerry Brown recently signed a law that allows medical marijuana companies to attract venture capitalists and
E-cigarettes have become an extremely popular alternative to tobacco products by offering a wider range of flavors and appearing healthier than cigarettes. These new products work by utilizing juice, coils and wicks to produce flavorful vapor, which can serve as an alternative for people who want to quit smoking. E-liquids come in a variety of
Video game enthusiasts have probably heard of Solid Snake and Big Boss, the legendary heroes of the Metal Gearseries. Gamers may not realize both characters are loosely based on Snake Plissken, the anti-hero from the movies Escape from New York and Escape from L.A. Kurt Russel plays Snake Plissken in both movies. The similarities between Solid Snake, Big Boss
Subway has come under scrutiny for lying about the size of its Footlong subs, one of the sandwich maker’s most famous products. We have all heard the commercials “$5 Footlong!”, but it turns out the famous sandwich might be a hoax. In 2013, an Australian customer upset over the size of a Footlong they had
Donald Trump’s trademarked campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again”, has become an internet and commercial sensation, selling tens of thousands of T-shirts and hats. During his last presidential campaign in 2012, Trump filed a trademark application for the phrase, which was approved four months ago. Ronald Reagan was the first to use the phrase during his
During the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan’s administration worked with High Frontier to develop the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a space-based laser that would shoot down incoming ballistic missiles launched from the Soviet Union. In the media, the plan was referred to as “Star Wars”. Lucasfilm responded to the name by suing High Frontier for trademark infringement.
Very few people have crossed Batman without feeling a swift kick from justice. Take for example, the Batmobile maker who was sued by DC Comics for trademark infringement. The Gotham Garage Business made almost $200,000 by creating replicas of the vehicle famous for chasing down villains. According to the lawsuit, the replicas depict the same vehicles
A judge has ruled Costco Wholesale is guilty of trademark infringement for selling fake Tiffany & Co diamond engagement rings to customers. Costco had originally claimed Tiffany & Co did not have a trademark for the word “Tiffany”. A federal judge has decided Costco purposefully included the name “Tiffany” on its rings to confuse customers. Tiffany &
Disney has filed a lawsuit against Wilson Cake Imaging over allegations it is creating frostings displaying trademark-protected characters, such as Luke Skywalker and Iron Man. Some of the cake designs have sold on eBay, depicting pictures of Yoda telling people “Have a happy birthday you must”. The Disney cake lawsuit could discourage other cake makers
A battle is heating up between two distilleries who market cinnamon flavored whiskey. Sazerac Co., the maker of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, is suing Stout Brewing Co. over its cinnamon whiskey, Fire Flask. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky features a red logo with a dancing, fire-breathing demon. Fire Flask also features a red logo, except with a devil
