Southfield, Mich. – Brooks Kushman attorney Anna Robinson recently published an article in the Michigan Bar Journal titled, “Stranger Than Fiction: When Fictional Trademark Use Blocks Real-World Trademarks.” The article describes how prominent features from the literary world can be protected under the Lanham Act, and outlines the risks that need to be evaluated before clients adopt a brand name or logo that is based on an element in a motion picture, television program, or other popular work. In the article, she discusses an unusual dispute over use and ownership of the trademark THE KRUSTY KRAB, the name of a restaurant in the Viacom-owned popular cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants, in connection with actual restaurant services.
In the article, Robinson notes that, “businesses not only need to be aware of real-world trademark uses, but must also consider fictional uses of terms that may be entitled to trademark protection.”
Robinson’s practice focuses on trademark and copyright protection and enforcement, as well as entertainment law. Robinson has diverse experience managing clients’ trademark and copyright portfolios, negotiating agreements and protecting and defending intellectual property rights. A former chair of the State Bar of Michigan, Arts Communications Entertainment & Sports (“ACES”) Section, Robinson remains dedicated to the Section, currently serving on the Board as Ex-Officio. She is committed to helping artists and those in the creative sector protect and promote their intellectual property, and was recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a “2016 Up & Coming Lawyer” for her professional success and commitment to pro bono work.
About Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman P.C. is a leading intellectual property (IP) and technology law firm, and represents clients nationally and internationally with respect to protection, enforcement and monetization of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. The firm has more than 90 intellectual property professionals specializing in various technical disciplines, and has a reputation for providing leading IP counseling with a focus on the business objectives of their clients.
Brooks Kushman counts a number of Fortune 100 companies across a variety of industries among its clients. The firm is also recognized by leading legal publications and rankings, including Corporate Counsel magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Law360, Intellectual Asset Management, Managing Intellectual Property, and Intellectual Property Today. For more information, please visit www.BrooksKushman.com.
