“When innovation races ahead, the line between inspiration and misappropriation must be drawn with care.” Short Description : This high-profile technology dispute involved Waymo (Google’s self-driving unit) and Uber over the theft of autonomous-vehicle trade secrets. It showcased how rapid talent mobility and corporate acquisitions can blur ethical boundaries in technology-driven industries. Facts : Waymo engineer Anthony Levandowski downloaded over 14,000 confidential files

“Imitation may flatter, but trading on another’s fame is unfair competition.” Short Description : This European Court of Justice decision clarified the boundaries of comparative advertising and trademark dilution. It held that merchants who imitate luxury products or use comparison lists referencing famous marks without authorization exploit those marks’ reputation and thereby commit infringement, even in the absence of consumer confusion. Facts : L’Oréal, a global cosmetics

“A trademark on a fan’s scarf is not mere ornament—it symbolizes loyalty, origin, and pride.” Short Description : This case explored how far trademark protection extends to merchandise and fan goods. The decision confirmed that even when consumers realize a product is “unofficial,” using a registered mark without permission still infringes because it undermines the owner’s control over brand identity and quality assurance. Facts : Matthew Reed, a street vendor, sold scarves,

“When digital advertising borrows a rival’s name, the law must decide whether it sells competition—or confusion.” Short Description : This landmark British case examined the legality of keyword advertising where one trader purchases another’s trademark as an online search keyword. The dispute balanced two competing interests: the right to advertise competitively and the need to prevent consumer confusion. The decision reshaped European online marketing law by confirming that

“Technological measures to protect product ecosystems can be enforced under copyright, preventing circumvention and ensuring fair competition.” This case addressed the intersection of copyright law and technological protection measures in hardware and software components. Short Description : Lexmark, a printer manufacturer, sued Static Control Components for producing chips that circumvented Lexmark’s printer security system, allowing third-party cartridges to function. The c

“Congress may extend existing copyright terms without violating the Constitution.” This case confirmed Congress’ authority to extend copyright durations, balancing authors’ rights with public access. Short Description : The Copyright Term Extension Act (CTEA) extended existing copyrights by 20 years. Plaintiffs argued that such extensions harmed the public by delaying works entering the public domain. The Supreme Court upheld the law, confirming that Congress has constitution

“Restoring copyright to foreign works previously in the public domain is constitutional and aligns with international obligations.” This decision reinforced Congress’ power to enact copyright restoration laws for foreign works to comply with international treaties. Short Description : Congress restored U.S. copyright protection to certain foreign works that had fallen into the public domain due to lack of international compliance. Plaintiffs argued that this violated the Copy

“Platforms can be protected under DMCA safe harbor, but only if they act responsibly to remove infringing content.” This case clarified the boundaries of safe harbor protection and responsibility of platforms for user-generated copyright infringement. Short Description : Viacom sued YouTube for hosting unauthorized clips of its TV shows and movies. YouTube claimed protection under the DMCA safe harbor, arguing that it promptly removed infringing content when notified. The cou

“Using a trademark to describe the trademarked product itself — and not to mislead — is permissible nominative fair use.” Short Description This case clarified the concept of nominative fair use under U.S. trademark law. The court held that one can use another’s trademark to identify the trademark owner’s goods or services as long as it does not imply sponsorship or endorsement. It laid down the foundational test for nominative use, shaping modern fair use doctrine in tradema

“Reverse engineering for compatibility can constitute fair use when aimed at promoting innovation and competition.” Short Description This case established that reverse engineering of software to achieve compatibility with another system could be considered fair use under copyright law. It was a landmark decision balancing copyright protection and technological advancement, encouraging interoperability in the gaming industry. Facts Sega Enterprises, creator of the popular Gen

“Copyright holders must assess fair use before issuing takedown notices — automation is not a free pass.” This landmark case clarified the responsibilities of copyright owners under the DMCA, especially regarding user-generated content, balancing copyright protection with free expression. Short Description : Stephanie Lenz uploaded a 29-second home video of her toddler dancing to Prince’s song “Let’s Go Crazy” on YouTube. Universal Music issued a DMCA takedown notice, claimin

“Using thumbnails in search engines to locate copyrighted images can be fair if it’s transformative and non-substitutive.” Short Description : The court held that displaying thumbnails of copyrighted images for an image search engine constitutes transformative fair use, even if the images themselves are copyrighted, as the use serves a new purpose without harming the market for originals. Facts : Kelly, a professional photographer, owned copyright for numerous images displaye

“Search engines can display thumbnails for transformative purposes without infringing copyright.” This case reinforced that transformative use can protect digital platforms even when using copyrighted images. Short Description : Perfect 10, a publisher of adult content, sued Google and Amazon for showing thumbnails of copyrighted images in image search results. The Ninth Circuit ruled that such use was transformative, provided public benefit and search functionality, and did

“Digitizing books to enable search and research transforms the original work and qualifies as fair use.” This case emphasized how technology can create new uses for copyrighted material without harming the original market, setting a landmark precedent for digital libraries and educational research. Short Description : The Authors Guild sued Google for its book-scanning project, claiming copyright infringement. Google had digitized millions of books to allow snippet views and

“Digital resale of copyrighted music without authorization is infringement, even if the original file is legally purchased.” Short Description: The court held that the resale of digital music files violates copyright law, distinguishing between physical and digital ownership. Buying a digital copy does not grant the right to distribute it. Facts: ReDigi allowed users to resell legally purchased digital music files via its platform. Capitol Records sued, claiming that ReDigi’s

“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...