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As the U.S. federal government experiences a lapse in funding, many agencies have adjusted or suspended operations. Below is an update on how the shutdown affects trademark and copyright filings. Trademark Filings – USPTO Remains Open and Fully Operational The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has confirmed that it will continue normal operations …

U.S. Federal Government Shutdown: Impacts on Trademark and Copyright Filings Read More »

The short answer: most likely no — at least not without permission. The Right of Publicity After Death The right of publicity protects a person’s name, likeness, nickname, pseudonym, voice, signature, and other identifying traits from being misappropriated for commercial purposes. There is still no federal law governing publicity rights. Instead, protection is determined at …

Can I Use the Image of a Dead Celebrity in 2025? Read More »

In a sharply divided opinion issued on August 26, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) vacated and remanded the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board’s (TTAB) refusal to register Erik Brunetti’s proposed trademark: the word FUCK. The decision revisits a familiar name in trademark law—Brunetti—who previously brought FUCT to the Supreme …

Why the Trademark “FUCK” Was Denied—and Why This Isn’t FUCT All Over Again. Read More »

When you think of copyright, you probably imagine protecting your creative work—stories, artwork, music, maybe even your website. But it’s important to know that not everything can be copyrighted. One of the most common misconceptions is that any word, phrase, or slogan you come up with automatically receives copyright protection. In reality, copyright law is …

What Can’t You Copyright? Understanding Words, Phrases, and Simple Designs Read More »