In many copyright infringement cases, there is a bit of gray area. Perhaps the accused did not realize they were infringing on another’s intellectual property. Or they believed that their usage was allowed due to parody or educational purposes. This is not what...
Year: 2023
Something Tells Me It’s All Happening at the Zoo… Private Institutions and Public Funding
When you mix private institutions and public funding, the question often arises: At what point does a private company become subject to public records law? We’ve asked this question before. Now we see another example playing out in Ohio. A construction company filed a...
Goth IHOP Cosplay Creator Receives Cease and Desist Over Trademark Name Use
A black apron featuring bloody vampire fangs and the words Goth IHOP. Does this seem like a trademark violation to you? IHOP certainly thought so when they sent OnlyFans model Candylion what she calls a “copyright strike,” which told her to stop using their trademark...
News Station Sues to Expose Local Agency Public Records Neglect in New Orleans
Sometimes news organizations are digging for public records to aid in a larger exposé that can affect people’s lives in a very material way – like compensation for medical or repair expenses. In New Orleans, the news station Fox 8 has filed suit against the city...
Surrogacy Awareness Month
March is Surrogacy Awareness Month in the United States, and for me, it's a time to reflect on the incredible journey that led to my son's arrival. Every day, I'm reminded of the love and selflessness of our amazing gestational surrogate, who carried and delivered him...
Does a Public University Need a Protective Order?
Colleges and universities that receive public funds are subject to open records law. Are there any limits? At Oklahoma University, NonDoc Media and their editor-in-chief, Tres Savage, have been engaged in a struggle with OU’s petition for a protective order. The goal...
Sharrow Marine’s MX Propeller: How a Design Patent Helps Cultivate Group Invention
In 2022, Florida boasted the most registered boats for recreation per capita. With the ocean on both sides and many waterways, we are a boating people. All that to say, this week’s post may appeal more to our Floridian audience. We’re looking at a recent design patent...
How Far Will Racine, WI Go to Conceal a City Public Records Misstep?
If you’re the “wrong” person requesting the “wrong” city public records from the “wrong” officials, you can have a very tough time indeed. You might even endure a years-long legal struggle. Of course, by “wrong” in all these instances, I really mean: Some public...