In this article, Frances Small discusses the recent lawsuit filed by Tempo Music Investments, an owner of Bruno Mars’ music rights for the song, “When I Was Your Man” over Miley Cyrus’ use of numerous melodic, harmonic, and lyrical elements of the 2013 pop hit in her 2023 hit “Flowers.” This article explores the potential copyright challenges faced by Cyrus as well as the streaming services and retailers who have distributed Cyrus’ song.
The Right to Dance: Copyright and Monetization in the Age of TikTok
In this article, Noor Ghuniem explores increasingly complex and nuanced legal issues involving the expansion of the digital world. TikTok, a modern-day video-making platform, promotes an environment for creativity and self-expression. However, fostering this paramount innovation raises an equally important need for effective protection agencies. Can the law ensure that users receive proper credit and retain control over their choreographic works through copyright?
The Alice Test’s Frivolous Second Step
In this article, Cassidy Serger discusses how Contour IP Holdings, Inc. v. GoPro interprets the doctrine of patentable subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101 of the Patent Act.
Gibson v. Armadillo: Trademark Infringement for Iconic Guitar Bodies
In this article, Jackson Weist details the history of an ongoing trademark infringement case between Gibson and Armadillo, and how Armadillo’s win on appeal may change the guitar manufacturing world forever.
If the Inventor is No Longer Human, Then What?: How the USPTO is Addressing AI Assisted Inventions
In this article, Ivette Rodriguez discusses how the USPTO is establishing a framework for patent applicants and examiners in cases where the inventor is listed as a Generative AI system in response to Executive Order 14110.
Connected Cars: Balancing Innovation and Data Privacy in Cars
In this article, Josie Croce explores the breadth of personal data that is collected by connected cars and the potential for misuse of this data, particularly by domestic abusers who access victims’ cars’ geolocation to stalk and harass. Some state and federal laws offer protection of victims’ personal data, and these laws should be extended to include protection of intrusive data collected by connected cars.