Litigation

Software company Fortres Grand is pressing to revive its trademark infringement claims against Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. for using the name of the real-life "Clean Slate" computer program in the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises .

Maryland Federal Court Issues Ruling in Dispute over Boxer Roberto Duran's Life Story
New York Federal Court Refuses to Apply First-Filed Exception to Dispute Over "Bette Davis Eyes" Jewelry

These days, it is commonplace for companies to license multiple parties in various distinct geographical areas to use the same trademark. Because different licensees may be competitors of one another in different product lines, the question often arises as to whether one licensee may challenge another's right to use a licensed mark and, if so, where.

Litigation is an unavoidable legal event. Each litigation event triggers another, evolves through several phases and eventually reaches a resolution. It is a discrete event with a beginning, middle and end.

In recent years, companies with viable civil litigation claims have looked to diversify their risk by partnering with third-party investors.

Several keycases and their outcomes are analyzed.

Discussion of two key cases.

Analysis of a recent key ruling.