Insights
Lady Gaga and California Surf Company in Battle Over Who Owns “Mayhem”
About a decade ago, California surf company Lost International received trademark protection for the stylized “Mayhem” logo it uses on merchandise. So, when they learned that Lady Gaga would be using “Mayhem” in conjunction with her new album (it is the name of her...
Get to Know Our Law Firm: Marks Gray Legal Services FAQ
At Marks Gray, we’re proud to offer experienced legal counsel across a wide range of practice areas. Whether you’re protecting your brand, growing your family, or defending your professional license, our team is here to help. Below are answers to some of the most...
Dua Lipa Flying High after “Levitating” Lawsuit Dismissed
Ever since “Levitating” became a monster hit in 2020, the Dua Lipa song has been a magnet for legal action. In 2022, both Artikal Sound System – a Florida reggae group – and L. Russel Brown and Sandy Linzer – a pair of songwriters – filed lawsuits arguing that Lipa’s...
A Practical Guide to F-1 Student Work Authorization
Exploring "Back to School" Options After H-1B Cap Results Each year, thousands of talented graduates (and their employers) hope to transition from student visas (F-1) to work visas (H-1B) to continue their careers in the U.S. But with the H-1B cap lottery becoming...
Grounded and Thriving: Resilience Strategies for an Uncertain World
In today’s fast-moving, high-pressure world — from immigration uncertainties to global challenges — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Deadlines, shifting rules, and emotional stakes are higher than ever. Now more than ever, well-being isn’t optional — it’s essential for...
Jack Nicklaus Can Keep Using His Own Name and Likeness in Business
It is a ruling that initially sounds like a joke: a New York Civil Division Supreme Court Justice has ruled that golfing legend Jack Nicklaus is now free to use his name and likeness in business once again. Why was his ability to use them ever in question? And how did...
Warner Bros. Illustrates Importance of Policing Trademarks with Harry Potter Lawsuit
If you want to stop people who might utilize the marks associated with a brand you own, the first thing you need to do is register those marks with the USPTO. However, your work does not stop at registering your marks – the real deterrent comes when entities police...
Can Kinetic Sculptures Receive Copyright Protection? Ninth Circuit Says Yes
Tangle, Inc. is the owner of copyright registrations for seven different sculptures that are both kinetic and manipulable. Each sculpture is made out of 17-to-18 tubular segments that are curved 90 degrees and completely identical. Once connected, each segment can be...