For our weekly SoCal IP Institute meeting on Monday, February 24th, 2020 we will discuss the following cases:

Barnes v. Hanna Andersson. (N.D. Cal February 3, 2020) (available here)

An individual filed a class action lawsuit against Hanna Anderson LLC, a children’s clothing company, and Salesforce.com Inc. The complaint alleges that plaintiff and other similarity situated individuals were damaged in a data breach caused by defendants. Interestingly this case alleges negligence, unfair competition, and is the first case to also involve a cause of action under the California Consumer Privacy Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100).

In re Colors in Optics, Ltd. (TTAB. February 7, 2020)(available here)

Applicant applied for the mark J HUTTON for use with “Eyewear, eyewear frames and sunglasses,”. The examining attorney refused the application, arguing that the mark was merely a surename. Applicant responded that the addition of the “J” in J HUTTON, made the mark refer to an actual individual and not simply a last name. The examining attorney still refused the registration, the TTAB affirmed.

All are invited to join us on Monday February 24th, 2020 at noon in our Westlake Village office. This activity is approved for 1 hour of MCLE credit. If you will be joining us, please RSVP to Elisha Manzur by 9 am Monday morning.