Many people believe that titles to publications or other works cannot be protected. This misconception stems from the fact that although copyright law protects the content of a particular publication, the Copyright Act provides that words, slogans and short phrases are not protectable under copyright law. Copyright Office regulations and numerous court decisions have determined that titles are equivalent to short phrases and, as such, are not protectable. Read the rest of this entry »

With the ever increasing popularity of virtual worlds such as Second Life, trademark owners need to be aware of both the opportunities and challenges that their brands may face in these newly emerging markets. As a trademark owner, if you choose to conduct business in the virtual world, be aware that all of the attendant concerns of brand reputation and disparagement you face in the real world, such as counterfeiting, copyright infringement and misappropriation of property, translate into the virtual space. Read the rest of this entry »