Uber Secures Domain Rights in Trademark Dispute Over 'Flewber'
Dec/03/2024
Uber Technologies, Inc., a global leader in mobility services, successfully resolved a trademark dispute with Flewber Inc., a private aviation service, over seven domain names including <flewber.com> and <flewberjets.com>. The decision by the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center found Flewber’s use of the domains to be deliberately designed to exploit Uber’s established brand equity, creating confusion with Uber’s trademarks like 'Uber Air'. Flewber, which offers private jet services, had previously likened its business model to Uber’s ride-sharing platform. The panel ruled in favor of Uber, citing bad faith in Flewber’s registration and usage of the domains. This decision marks a significant reinforcement of Uber’s intellectual property rights as the company continues to innovate in ground and aerial transportation. Following table shows list of the disputed domains.
Deno Challenges Oracle’s 'JavaScript' Trademark in Landmark Legal Petition
Nov/28/2024
On November 22, 2024, Deno filed a petition with the USPTO to cancel Oracle’s trademark for 'JavaScript,' aiming to liberate the term from legal restrictions and establish it as a public domain asset. If successful, the move would enable widespread community usage, such as the renaming of events like 'JavaScript Conference' and adopting 'JavaScript Specification' over 'ECMAScript'. Deno’s petition argues that Oracle neither controls nor meaningfully uses the term in commerce. Notably, Oracle presented Node.js, unrelated to its operations, as proof of commercial usage. Under U.S. law, trademarks unused for three consecutive years are considered abandoned, a criterion Deno asserts Oracle has met. Backed by over 14,000 developers, including JavaScript’s creator Brendan Eich, the petition seeks to end Oracle’s claim to the language’s name, calling it an essential tool in modern programming rather than a brand. Oracle must respond by January 4, 2025, or risk default and likely cancellation of the trademark. The visualisation below shows detailed information about the trademark in question, shedding light on its history and Oracle’s claims of usage.
Rivian Secures $6.6 Billion Federal Loan for Georgia Factory Amid Production Challenges
Nov/27/2024
The U.S. government has approved a $6.6 billion loan for Rivian to establish a new factory in Georgia dedicated to manufacturing smaller and more affordable R2 SUVs and R3 crossovers, with production slated for 2028. While the loan represents a significant investment in electric vehicle (EV) production, Rivian must first meet stringent technical, legal, environmental, and financial conditions, including a commitment not to oppose unionization efforts at the new site—though union operations are not guaranteed. This support comes as Rivian faces a steep 50% decline in stock value this year, grappling with production bottlenecks, a parts shortage, and cost-cutting struggles. The announcement coincides with uncertainty over the incoming administration’s stance on EV policies, potentially reshaping the industry’s regulatory environment. The tag cloud below highlights Rivian’s registered and pending trademarks in the U.S. with related product classes.
Brilliant Earth Debuts First Street-Level Showroom in New York City
Nov/21/2024
Brilliant Earth, a direct-to-consumer jewelry brand renowned for its ethically sourced fine jewelry, has opened its first street-level showroom in New York City’s Nolita neighborhood. Situated at 255 Elizabeth Street, the showroom features a try-on bar and a dedicated space for bridal and fine jewelry consultations. This marks the brand’s fourth location in the New York Metropolitan area and its 40th across the U.S. The company, which went public in 2021, has been expanding its physical footprint, including recent openings in Boston and luxury mall locations nationwide. CEO Beth Gerstein highlighted the importance of this Nolita opening, especially during the holiday season, as part of the brand’s strategy to enhance personalized customer experiences. Brilliant Earth has also been growing its global presence, offering localized shopping in over 150 countries and launching the Jane Goodall Collection, featuring sustainable diamonds and recycled gold. Despite a 12.5% year-over-year decline in net sales to $99.9 million in the most recent quarter, the company continues to push forward with its expansion and ethical initiatives. Following tag cloud shows trends of naming jewelry-related trademarks in the U.S. for 2024, depicting the most used keywords.
