Trademark holders face a common dilemma in deciding whether and how to respond when their marks are used for comic effect, particularly when the humor is done at their expense for another’s commercial gain. Instinctively, trademark holders want to protect their marks, often with an aggressive legal response. But that approach is not always wise and is now less likely to succeed, at least in one appellate Circuit, following a recent case involving the well-known Jack Daniel’s brand.
The case involves Arizona-based VIP Products, which makes and sells dog chew toys with branding that plays on well-known alcoholic beverage and soda brands. According to VIP, its dog toys reflect “on the humanization of the dog in our lives” and comment on “corporations that take themselves very seriously.”
In July 2014, VIP introduced the “Bad Spaniels” toy, pictured below, which mimics the Jack Daniel’s whiskey bottle with some bathroom humor: “Old No. 2 on your Tennessee Carpet,” “43% POO BY VOL,” and “100% SMELLY.”
Continue Reading Mona Lisa or Dog Doo? Humor Avoids Trademark Liability