Insights
Same Name, Totally Different Business? With Well-known Brands, That May Not Matter
On August 4, 2025, Apple Inc. filed a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts against Sand Media Corp., owner of “Apple Cinemas,” a movie theatre chain based in New England. Apple claims that the theatre’s use of the name “Apple” infringes on its well‐known trademark, risks...
Arhaus vs. RH Dispute: When Trade Secrets Are on the Table
Earlier in 2025, furniture and home-goods retailer Arhaus filed a lawsuit against RH. The core allegation? A former Arhaus executive, Lisa Chi, improperly transferred confidential and proprietary information (i.e., trade secrets) from Arhaus to RH when she changed...
What Is in a Name? Columbia vs. Columbia
Imagine the word Columbia emblazoned on a cozy hoodie or hat. Does it evoke a rugged outdoor reputation for you? Or elite academia? That is exactly what Columbia Sportswear and Columbia University are hashing out in court right now. What Is Going On? In June 2023, the...
Corporate Immigration and Compliance NEWSLETTER September 2025 for YOU
We’ve officially entered the “ber” months—September, October, November, and December—the stretch of the year that always seems to fly by! 🍂✨ As we kick off this exciting season, our spotlight this month is on travel abroad and consular processing, helping you navigate...
Dropbox Eligibility Update: USCIS reverts to 12-Month Rule Now in Effect
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has officially rolled back “Dropbox” (interview waiver) eligibility to pre-pandemic rules—effective September 2, 2025, most applicants must now attend in-person interviews again. To learn what this change means click here No more...
No More Consulate “Hopping”: NIV Applicants Now Tied to Home Country
As of September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has tightened the rules on where nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants can apply. What’s new: All NIV applicants must now schedule their interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality...
What the Trade Secret Claim against Apple Means for Innovation and IP Law
Apple Pay has been around for more than a decade, and lots of people have gotten used to the ease of pulling out their phones to pay for things over that time. However, an Austin-based fintech company, Fintiv, has filed a suit against Apple alleging the tech giant...
“Don’t Be Shy” Case Illustrates How Important True Experts Are
On the surface, music copyright cases may seem straightforward: if two songs sound alike, there is likely infringement, right? Longtime readers know this is not true, though. In fact, IP law imposes two major hurdles: showing the accused had a reasonable opportunity...