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Activists May Use Their Targets' Trademarks

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the small-mercies dept.

lee1 writes "Sometimes political activists use a company's trademark as part of a campaign to embarrass it or call attention to an issue. And sometimes the company sues, claiming that they own the mark and its satirical use is prohibited. Now a Utah court has ruled that such suits must fail because the parodic use of the mark is not commercial and is a form of protected speech."

5 of 203 comments (clear)

  1. Also by Dunbal · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The companies in question should be forced to accept arbitration instead of lawsuits.

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    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
    1. Re:Also by MightyMartian · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Simple. You stack the panels with consumer advocates with baseball bats.

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      The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
  2. Re:A big victory... by nurb432 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Im shocked it came out of a US court at all.

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    ---- Booth was a patriot ----
  3. Re:A big victory... by AliasMarlowe · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Im shocked it came out of a US court at all.

    You may not have to endure that shock for long.
    An appeal may be forthcoming, with a properly prepped judge.

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    Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire
  4. Re:A big victory... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    And a theocracy would want to protect the interests of big business because... ?