Apple allowed to use the word 'iBooks'

Apple has been sued by New York book publisher over the term ‘iBooks’ in 2011. According to CNET, federal court in New York has dismissed the claim this week.

www.apple.com

The New York publisher claimed that Apple used the term ‘iBooks’ to describe its e-reader platform which was trademarked by publisher in 2006 and 2007. Black Tower filed this lawsuit in 2011 claiming that it has already asserted the word “iBooks” to describe software that allows users to purchase online books in 2006.    

U.S Patent and Trademark Office found that ‘ibook’ applied for science fiction books in 1999 but it has abandoned in 2003. Also, USTPO search reveals that Apple filed ‘iBook’ to describe "software for reading electronic publications on digital electronic devices." In 2010, CNET wrote.  

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

The subsidiary of Acacia Research filed a lawsuit against LG and Pantech

LG and Pantech being sued for patent infringement of Nokia Siemens Networks’ wireless communication technologies.  US NPE, Acacia Research’s affiliate filed a suit with an Eastern District court of Texas against mobile companies including LG, Pantech, HTC, ZTE, and BlackBerry.  

Comfortable and practical Beds ideas!

homedit.com

This nest shape bed looks like a perfect place to rest. It has round frame and some big pillows in it, so children can feel comfort and secure. This bed will be helpful to the kids who can’t sleep at night alone!

squee.it

If someone lives in a studio room, he/she might need this bed and table combined furniture. It would be nice to have a cup of coffee in the morning or a short reading time at night on that table. 

coolbusinessideas.com

This is a good idea for small house, too. This sofa can be transformed to a double-deck bed, so we can always say ‘why don’t you sleep over tonight?’ to our friends!

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr 

will.i.am sues Pharrell Williams over brand logo

iamother.com

A famous American recording artist, songwriter and one of the founding members of The Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am sued a fellow artist Pharrell Williams. According to Rolling Stone, he claimed that Pharrell’s brand logo ‘i am OTHERS’ is “confusingly similar” to his “I AM” logo.

Pharrell told Rolling Stone that he was disappointed that Will filed a case against him.

youtube.com/iamOTHER

‘i am OTHER’ is a commercial Youtube channel launched by a rapper, record producer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams in 2012.

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Wendy's Sues United Dairy Farmers over 'Flosty'

Wendy’s, US fast food franchise restaurant founded in 1969, has sued United Dairy Farmers for using the word ‘frosty’, ColumbusDispatch reported.

Wendy’s claimed that UDF's ice cream has been selling with "Frosty" word on its packages in its stores and supermarkets. Wendy’s said “a complete knock-off” in its claim. 

“Frosty is one of our original trademark products, dating back to 1969,” said Wendy’s spokesman Denny Lynch to the article. “We are taking the necessary steps to protect this iconic brand and to avoid the inevitable confusion by consumers.”

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Weekly Korean IP Headlines 06.26. 2013

This week, there were news about IP trainings in Korea.  Let's take a look at what kind of IP trainings and recent trends in Korea.

Korean Digital Times reports that Korean KIPO International IP Training Institute announced that they will expand ‘IP-R&D Professional Training Course’ to training creative professional research manpower that is strong on IP knowledge.  The course suggests trainees that actively use patent information analysis result from the R&D stage, and let them create source core patent.  From the second half of the year, the institute will subdivide the ‘IP-R&D training course’ into basic and intensive course and will promote the ‘Customized IP-R&D training curriculum’ which takes into account trainees’ main technology area and assigned works.  Click here for the detailed article.

LG Electronics announce on 21st, that they will operate internal patent training course that trains the patent professionals, ‘IP School 2013.’ The IP School is one kind of Patent Training College educates LG affiliates’ patent managers. The school is a five-month course, launched since 2009.  The subjects of the school are conducted by contents required in the field such as negotiation, litigation, licensing, application, and patent analysis.  There are around 20 professional lecturers including domestic and foreign patent attorneys.  Here is Korean New Daily news article.

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Useful Ideas for pets!

blessthisstuff.com

This Doggie Fountain supplies clean and fresh water to the dogs. It is connected to the garden hose and when dogs push the pedal, the clean and cool water will be spouting! 

yankodesign.com/

We love to walk our puppies. But when your lovely puppy makes poo, how do you handle it? This DogPot solves the problem. This smart paper slip can pick the target and package it nicely. 

yankodesign.com

Pets need good beds, too. If you are looking for a comfort bed for your pet, Curve Pet Bed will satisfy both you and your pet. This Curve Pet Bed has curved shape for easy and relaxed posture. It can be mounted on the wall, so cats will love it!

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Apple vs. Samsung Patent disputes in Japan

photo vernieman

Samsung and Apple had 2 patent lawsuits in Japan and both each scored victory. These two smartphone makers have been fought in patent disputes over four continents since 2011.

photo Sean MacEntee

Samsung won a patent lawsuit against Apple for synchronizing patent. Apple claimed that Samsung infringed its patent for synchronizing music and video data on its Galaxy smartphones and tablets with servers, Bloomberg reported. 

Apple had also alleged that Samsung copied its patent on smartphones and tablets last week. The patent covers “bounce-back” function which quivers when users scroll to the end of an electronic document. Tokyo court upheld Apple for this claim. 

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Magic Johnson's Card trademark. Celeb Cards sues Magic Johnson!

It seems like a pre-paid credit card company in Florida is not happy with Magic Johnson who is a NBA legend. The company sued Magic Johnson for breaking deal to create Magic Cash Card with them and making partnership with its competitor, OneWest Bank.

onlymagiccard.com

According to The New York Post, the company filed a lawsuit claiming that Magic Johnson broke an agreement and made a similar deal with OneWest Bank. Celebrity Cards’ and Magic had a deal to market the cards and sold 2,000 cards in 2004. Celebrity Cards was able to reacquire ownership of his trademark, but Magic canceled it and made deal with another company. OneWest Bank released its Magic Cards without Celeb Cards’ permission.

“The actions of defendants are so shocking and appalling . . . and so out of character for Magic Johnson that it is hard to believe, but justice will prevail if not ‘by Magic. ’ ” The lawyer of Celeb Cards said, The New York Post added.

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Accenture Sues Deloitte, 'High Performance' slogan dispute

accenture.com

Accenture, a management consulting company, sued its rival company Deloitte for trademark infringement over similar slogan. 

Bloomberg reported that Accenture has used the ‘High performance. Delivered’ slogan since 2003. It claimed that Deloitte began to use similar slogan ‘High performance. Amplified.’ on its advertising campaign and it copied overall structure of the phrase. 

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Weekly Korean IP Headlines 06.21. 2013

The Chosunilbo reported on 21st, the US ITC (International Trade Commission) started investigating Korean and Japanese electronics companies’ possible patent infringement.  The possible infringed items are TV sets and smartphones held by a patent troll, Black Hills Media.

  flickr.com | by NS Newsflash 

The firm claimed that the Korean and Japanese companies violated their patented technology allows users to share music files on digital devices.  

Check out the origial article HERE.

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Creative Bicycle locks, Keep your bike safely!

There are lots of bicycle locks to prevent from robbers, but do they really work?

These are some brilliant ideas of locks for bicycles. Let's see how creative they can be. 

trendhunter.com

It seems we don’t need a lock and a cable for this bike. Its frame can be opened and locked itself.

trendhunter.com

This bike’s seat has own security lock. When it is in vertical side, it blocks back wheel from spinning. 

tuvie.com

Riding bike is good, but it is difficult keep it outside without any worries of stealing. This bike can be folded so that we can keep it inside beside us, even under our desks!

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr 

A photographer sues Buzzfeed for using his work

buzzfeed.com

According to the guardian, a photographer Kai Eiselein who took photos of soccer players filed a lawsuit against Buzzfeed, a popular aggregation website.  

Kai saw an article on Buzzfeed which was a collection of soccer players’ photos. Kai found out that one of the images was his photograph on his flickr, and the image was marked as ‘All Right Reserved”. Buzzfeed removed after Kai sent a notification.

Now he seeks $150,000 in damages for each of the 23 sites that used his picture after the initial post, plus a further $150,000 for "contributory infringement" by another site, luuux.com, the article added.

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr 

Cuckoo vs. Lihome Cuchen, Korean Kitchen Tool Companies are facing a patent suit.

neweng.cuckoo.co.kr

Two Kitchen equipment manufacture companies, Cukoo and Li-home Cuchen, are facing patent infringement lawsuit. 

According to the Korean news article from Busan.com, Cuckoo applied for an injunction claiming that Lihome Cuchen infringed its patent technology. In the filing, two patents which covers safety technologies were used without Cuckoo’s permission and Lihome Cuchen should stop selling and manufacturing immediately.

lihom.co.kr/eng/

Lihome Cuchen refuted its claims right away saying that they already adopted the technologies in 1995. Lihome Cuchen said that their steam emission tech was opened in early 90s and it’s not the same technology as Cukoo’s. Lihome Cuchen added that it has 11 patents covering this steam emission. 

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr 

Creative Umbrella ideas!

inhabitat.com

This is a smart umbrella that let you know if it’s going to be raining or not. It has wifi device which updates weather information and the handle glows when it get the data. If the handle is not glowing, we don’t need an umbrella. This is a great idea to prepare a rainy day!

yankodesign.com

It is annoying to keep wet umbrellas. We need extra plastic bags every time we use it. This folding umbrella solves the problem. We can simply pop the cap and open the umbrella, and put it back to the case after use. 

yankodesign.com

This is an upgraded combination of  rain coat and umbrella. It has overall suit which is made of waterproof fabric and umbrella shape hood. This rain coat needs no hands to hold, so we can carry things easily. The designer inspired by harsh monsoons he had in his hometown.

DMC Tower 18th~19th Floor, 189 Sungam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Global Tel: +82-2-726-1104, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr

Japan Tel: +82-2-726-1113, 1107 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | wips-jp@wips.co.kr

China, Taiwan Tel: +82-2-726-1038, 1130 | Fax: +82-2-777-7334 | global@wips.co.kr