HB Media Minute

HB Media Minute Episode 7 - "Entertainment, and Titles, and Trademarks, Oh My!” The Tricky Business of Title Clearance for Entertainment Properties

March 23, 2021 Haynes and Boone, LLP Season 1 Episode 8
HB Media Minute
HB Media Minute Episode 7 - "Entertainment, and Titles, and Trademarks, Oh My!” The Tricky Business of Title Clearance for Entertainment Properties
Show Notes

Today, we’re going to talk about some of the tricky issues entertainment companies face when it comes to making sure that the titles of their TV shows, films, songs, or other expressive works do not infringe on protected trademarks. We are going to discuss the topic in the context of a pending suit between Taylor Swift and Evermore Park in Utah. We’ll also discuss how the First Amendment impacts trademark rights in titles, among other issues.

We’re joined by two lawyers from Haynes and Boone’s New York office: Partner Erin Hennessy, who focuses her practice on trademark, copyright, internet and social media issues spanning many industries including media, publishing, technology, retail, fashion and financial services. Erin currently serves as Counsel to the International Trademark Association (INTA) Board of Directors. We are also joined by Associate Annie Allison, who handles a broad range of intellectual property matters, including trademark prosecution, copyright clearance and registration, rights enforcement strategies, brand management and licensing for media, entertainment, fashion and technology companies.