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Comparative Advertising Do’s and Don’ts from the NAD – Part 1

Two recent decisions of the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau provide helpful insights into how product performance comparisons should (and should not) be crafted to be considered fair comparative advertising against competitors. The first decision, Spectrum Brands, Inc. (Case #6012 Oct. 26,…

BIAS Rules: New FCC Regulations on Broadband Customer Privacy

On October 27, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) adopted sweeping new privacy rules applicable to all telecommunications providers including broadband internet access service (“BIAS”) and interconnected voice-over-internet-protocol (“VoIP”) providers. Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services. These rules…

Rubik’s Cube Shape Mark Falls on Functionality in the EU

A trademark registration for the shape of a product (usually in the form of a drawing or 3D illustration) can be useful, particularly where the product is recognised predominantly by its distinctive visual appearance. However, if that shape or appearance is also essential for achieving…