“A service that enables widespread copyright infringement is liable, even if users act independently.” Short Description : This case determined that companies providing peer-to-peer music sharing platforms could be held liable for contributory and vicarious copyright infringement. Facts : Napster offered a peer-to-peer network for users to share MP3 files. Millions of copyrighted songs were shared without authorization. A&M Records and other music companies sued Napster for e

“One who distributes a device with the intent to induce copyright infringement is liable for resulting violations.” Short Description : This case addressed the liability of technology providers whose products could be used for copyright infringement. The Supreme Court held that companies encouraging or intending infringement can be held responsible, even if their devices have legitimate uses. Facts : Grokster and StreamCast developed software that allowed users to share music

“Private time-shifting is fair use; manufacturers aren’t liable for lawful consumer use.” Short Description : Popularly known as the Betamax case, this decision defined how technological devices can enable fair use. The Court ruled that recording television programs for later personal viewing (time-shifting) constitutes fair use and does not make the device manufacturer liable for copyright infringement. Facts : Sony developed the Betamax video recorder, which allowed users t

“Parody may be fair use when it transforms the original work and adds new expression or meaning.” Short Description : This case redefined fair use by emphasizing the concept of transformative use. The Court ruled that parody, even if commercially sold, can qualify as fair use if it provides new insight, criticism, or humor relating to the original work. Facts : The rap group 2 Live Crew created a parody version of Roy Orbison’s popular song “Oh, Pretty Woman.” The copyright h

“Fair use cannot override an author’s right to control the first publication of their work.” Short Description : This landmark case...

“Sweat of the brow is not enough; originality is required for copyright.” Short Description: The Supreme Court ruled that compilations of...

“Design elements on useful articles can be copyrighted if they can exist independently.” Short Description: This Supreme Court case...

“Parody does not automatically protect against dilution of a famous mark.” Short Description: The Supreme Court considered whether parody...

“Titles of artistic works are protected by the First Amendment if they have artistic relevance and are not explicitly misleading.” Short...

“The government cannot refuse to register trademarks just because they are immoral or scandalous.” Short Description The U.S. Supreme...

“The First Amendment forbids the government from banning trademarks it deems offensive.” Short Description The U.S. Supreme Court struck...

"Trademark law cannot be used to extend the protection of a public domain work." Short Description In this landmark U.S. Supreme Court...

“A mark’s strength depends on where it lies on the spectrum of distinctiveness.” Short Description This U.S. case established the famous...

“A product’s design, standing alone, is not inherently distinctive — it must earn its identity with consumers.” Short Description The...

“Inherently distinctive trade dress deserves protection under the Lanham Act—even without proof of secondary meaning.” Short Description...

“A color alone can serve as a badge of origin — provided it identifies the source and is nonfunctional.” Short Description This U.S....

"Clarity Counts — Ensuring Precision in Patent Claims for Fair Protection and Notice" Short Description : This U.S. Supreme Court case...

Easing the Path to Attorney’s Fees — Making Patent Litigation Fairer for the Victim of Baseless Claims" Short Description : This U.S....

Bringing Patent Venue Back Home — Defining Where Patent Cases Can Be Filed" Short Description: This U.S. Supreme Court case addressed...

"Punishing Willful Infringement — Restoring Judicial Discretion in Patent Damages" Short Description: This U.S. Supreme Court case...