Eminem, also known as Marshall B. Mathers III, has initiated legal action against the Australian beach brand Swim Shady, alleging trademark infringement due to the similarity of its name to his Slim Shady alter ego. The rapper filed a complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in September, seeking to cancel Swim Shady’s trademark, which was granted just days before. Eminem’s legal team argues the brand’s name creates a false association with the rapper’s established brand, prompting a response from the company. This marks another legal battle for Eminem, as he is also involved in an ongoing trademark infringement lawsuit against the “Reasonably Shady” podcast and previously sued Meta.
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Columbia Sportswear has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging trademark infringement and breach of contract. The lawsuit claims the university’s merchandise, particularly apparel lacking required identifying logos, is too similar to Columbia Sportswear’s offerings, causing consumer confusion. The agreement, signed in June 2023, allowed the university to use “Columbia” on merchandise with specific school identifiers, which the sportswear company alleges the university violated. Columbia Sportswear seeks to halt sales of infringing products, recall existing items, and secure damages for the harm caused to its brand.
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Lululemon filed a lawsuit against Costco, alleging the retailer sells “confusingly similar” replicas of its popular apparel, including hoodies, jackets, and pants. The athletic wear company claims these “dupes” infringe on its “trade dress” by mimicking its designs so closely that they confuse consumers into believing they are authentic Lululemon products. The company argues that these imitations violate trademark law, seeking damages for lost profits and demanding Costco halt the production and distribution of the allegedly infringing items. Lululemon’s lawsuit specifically targets Costco’s versions of its “Scuba” hoodies, “Define” jackets, and “ABC” stretch pants.
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Mondelez International has filed a lawsuit against Aldi, accusing the supermarket chain of trademark infringement through the use of nearly identical packaging for its store-brand cookies and crackers. The lawsuit, filed in Illinois, claims Aldi’s packaging is confusingly similar to Mondelez’s Chips Ahoy, Wheat Thins, Oreos, and other products, potentially deceiving consumers. Mondelez seeks monetary damages and an injunction to halt the sale of the allegedly infringing products. This is not Aldi’s first encounter with such litigation; previous lawsuits in Australia and the U.K. involved similar packaging disputes.
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McDonald’s has applied to Russia’s Federal Service for Intellectual Property to register its trademark, a move mirroring Coca-Cola’s similar action in 2024. The application, filed in December 2024 and now accepted, covers fast food, beverages, restaurant services, and delivery. This action is reportedly to safeguard the company’s intellectual property rights within the Russian market.
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A Washington church, the target of vandalism by members of the Proud Boys, has been awarded the trademark to the group’s name and associated symbols. This ironic twist of fate, a true “FAFO” moment as some online commentators put it, is a source of widespread amusement and celebration. The legal victory seems particularly sweet, occurring during Black History Month, adding an extra layer of significance to the outcome.
The legal battle’s conclusion has sparked numerous jokes and suggestions online. Many find humor in the idea of the Proud Boys, known for their aggressive rhetoric and actions, being legally bound by a trademark held by the very community they sought to harm.… Continue reading
A Washington, D.C. judge awarded the Proud Boys’ trademarks to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, effectively prohibiting the group from using its name and associated logos. This decision follows a 2021 lawsuit filed by the church after the Proud Boys’ destruction of Black Lives Matter signs and their subsequent failure to pay over $1 million in damages. The ruling allows the church to pursue financial remedies from any Proud Boys merchandise sales. Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio condemned the decision as a “betrayal of justice.”
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KFC has filed a lawsuit against Church’s Texas Chicken for trademark infringement, claiming their competitor’s use of the phrase “Original Recipe” in advertising dilutes KFC’s iconic branding. The lawsuit, filed in a Texas federal court, argues that Church’s recent adoption of the phrase, which KFC has used for over 50 years, is likely to confuse consumers and damage KFC’s brand identity. KFC asserts its “Original Recipe” trademark is a crucial part of its brand and a closely guarded secret, emphasizing the importance of protecting its intellectual property and customer experience.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood