Media Law Prof Blog

Cisco Sues Apple Over "I-Phone" Trademark

Here is the complaint filed in the Cisco Systems trademark infringement lawsuit filed against Apple Inc. Wednesday. Apple's Steve Jobs had just introduced Apple's new "I-Phone" when Cisco Systems announced the suit. Cisco Systems alleges that it has been in talks with Apple for some six years over Apple's planned use of the name "I-Phone", which it claims is "“deceptively and confusingly similar to Cisco’s long-standing trademark” for its device.

FBI To Writers: Here's a Script

The Hollywood Reporter notes that the FBI is giving Hollywood writers tips on how to portray the agency realistically onscreen. A new presentation called "FBI: Crime Essential for Writers" given by an FBI agent clued writers in on how the agency does its work; according to the Hollywood Reporter story, attendees were quite enthusiastic. Read more here.

Coverage of the Conrad Black Trial From the Canadian Perspective

The Globe and Mail offers a look at the upcoming trial of Conrad Black, complete with some comments from readers aimed at Mrs. Black. Read more here.

Still No Announcement On BBC License Fee Increases

BBC license fees talks continue. Read more here in a Media Guardian story.

Media Guardian Reports One Paper Breached Ban on Prince William's Girlfriend's Pix

The Media Guardian reports that The London Paper mistakenly published a photo of Kate Middleton, Prince William's current companion, in spite of an-agreed upon ban of pictures of her by the tabloid's owner, News International. Not all papers covering the royal family and its doings have agreed to the limited coverage of William and his friend, which appears to track the Press Complaints Commission Code of Practice Section 4 (Harrassment).

Brazilian Ban YouTube Video Spreading

The judicial ban granted to prevent Brazilian viewing of model Daniela Cicarelli's dalliance with friend Renato Malzoni on YouTube is spreading throughout Brazil, according to a Fox report. The ban is due to be reviewed by a panel of judges soon.

Prosecutors Ask Judge To Add New Charges Against Conrad Black

U. S. prosecutors are asking the federal judge in charge of the trial against Conrad Black to add new charges alleging insider trading less than eight weeks before his case goes to trial. The new charges surfaced after federal attorneys claim they found messages they say Black posted on a message board concerning his former company. Black formerly controlled a media empire through Hollinger International. Read more here.

District Court Grants "Webcast" Link Injunction

The U.S.District Court for the Northern District of Texas has granted a preliminary injunction to SFX Motorsports to prevent a competitor from "streaming" live webcasts of SFX's events. SFX persuaded the court that it was likely to succeed on the merits and that its webcasts were copyrightable. Read the entire memorandum opinion and order here.