Our weekly SoCal IP Institute meeting on Monday, October 7, 2013 will be a discussion of trademark infringement and copyrights in space. Brief synopses appear below.

Trader Joe’s v. Hallatt, Case No. 13-768 (D.Ct. Wash. 10/2/2013) (available here). Plaintiff Trader Joe’s sued Defendant Hallant alleging trademark infirngement, unfair competition and other causes of action. Defendant Hallant owns and operates a grocery store under the name “Pirate Joe’s” in Vancouver. Defendant Hallant purchased products at Trader Joe’s stores in Washington and then resold them at his store in Vancouver. Defendant Hallant brought a motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The district court granted Defendant’s motion.

“How do Copyrights Work In Space?”, The Economist (May 22, 2013) (available here). Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield recorded a version of David Bowie’s, “Space Oddity” while on the International Space Station. While Commander Hadfield had obtained permission from David Bowie to record and distribute the song, it still raises an interesting issue as to how copyrights apply to works recorded and distributed while in space. We will have a roundtable discussion about copyrights in space. 

All are invited to join us in our discussion during the SoCal IP Institute meeting on Monday, October 7, 2013 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 Noelle Smith by 9 am Monday morning.