National Park Causes National Turmoil

The weight of a name

Located in California’s breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is home to gigantic sequoia trees, granite cliffs, and impeccable landscapes.  In addition to these attractive tourist spots, the iconic national park has also been the subject of legal trouble since 2015.  Delaware North Companies Inc had maintained park property operations since 1993 until it was outbid by Aramark.  As part of the concessionaire’s transition into their new role, Aramark changed the names of several attractions and hotels.  In the lawsuit, Delaware North claims that Aramark should have had to uphold terms that were required when Delaware North began operations in 1993, which was to purchase the previous facilities operator’s intellectual property rights of the names.  As compensation for this intellectual property dispute, Delaware North was looking to collect $50,000 million. Continue reading →

The Real Estate Husband Drama of Beverly Hills

Reality TV just got a bit more real

For those who are dedicated fans of The Real Housewives reality show franchise, we can relate to tuning in every week for the latest drama of five to eight women from all regions of the country.  Since 2006, Bravo has focused on the lives and interactions of affluent women and their families in New Jersey, Dallas, Potomac, Orange County, New York City, Atlanta, and Beverly Hills.  Let’s not forget the DC ladies who powered through one season.  Their husbands and significant others play minor roles in these shows, however, one husband has recently emerged in the spotlight regarding an ongoing legal battle.   Continue reading →

Batting Zero in Ballpark Construction Project

Batter up

The incomplete construction of the Dunkin Donuts ballpark for the minor league team, Hartford Yard Goats, has led to a $90 million lawsuit against the City of Hartford, CT. The developer hired for the project, Centerplan, claims their contract with the city was unjustly terminated. The city contends that Centerplan missed deadlines to complete the project, made changes to the original plans, and produced several mistakes in the building of the new ballpark. Centerplan blames the city for their delays and the alteration of certain aspects of the original plans. The lawsuit has already progressed to the trial level, and an anticipated verdict will be heard by the end of this Friday, July 5.   Continue reading →

Hit Me With a Lawsuit

Spears strikes back

Jamie Spears is striking back at blogger and “Absolute Britney” website developer, Anthony Elia.  In a lawsuit filed recently, Jamie Spears, who has served as Britney Spears’ conservator since 2008, alleges Elia inflicted malicious intent to defame him. In Elia’s blog, he concocts conspiracy theories about Jamie’s apparent power over Britney.  Two theories include Jamie’s misrepresentation of Britney on her social media accounts to make her appear crazy, and not allowing Britney to regain control over her own life.  The blog has evolved into a “Free Britney” campaign, attracting many followers. Continue reading →

If the Sandal Was on the Other Foot, You Would Sue Too

Fashion is fierce

Bernardo is a household name for luxury designer footwear.  Currently, this company has made a name for itself as “plaintiff” in several patent infringement lawsuits, centering around the design of their ornamental thong sandals.  Since obtaining the patent in 2008, Bernardo and its parent company JPT Group have filed eleven lawsuits against other shoe and lifestyle brand companies.  Some of the eleven companies Bernardo has taken legal action against are Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Balenciaga, and Pedro Garcia.  Most recently, the company has accused Tory Burch of infringing upon their intellectual property rights.  In particular, the Tory Burch Emmy Pearl Sandal closely resembles the design of the Bernardo thong sandal.   Continue reading →