Month: July 2025

Intellectual Property, MSK Blog

Hara v. Netflix, Inc.: Ninth Circuit Reaffirms Rogers Test for Expressive Works Post-Jack Daniel’s 

Written by Samantha Frankel On July 28, 2025, the Ninth Circuit affirmed dismissal of a Lanham Act false endorsement suit brought by drag performer Lance Hara (known professionally as Vicky Vox) against Netflix over an animated cameo in the comedy series Q-Force.  Vox alleged her animated likeness appeared without permission in a ten-second scene, an official teaser trailer, and a promotional still image.  Hara v. … Continue reading Hara v. Netflix, Inc.: Ninth Circuit Reaffirms Rogers Test for Expressive Works Post-Jack Daniel’s 

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Intellectual Property

Yes, Virtual Goods Are Still Goods for Trademark Purposes

Written by Bryse Thornwell On July 23, 2025, in a significant update for the evolving intersection of intellectual property and blockchain technology, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a unanimous opinion affirming critical trademark principles as they apply to non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”) and digital assets. See Yuga Labs, Inc. v. Ripps, et al, Case No. 24-879.[1] The opinion, written by … Continue reading Yes, Virtual Goods Are Still Goods for Trademark Purposes

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Estate Planning, Tax, Trusts & Estates

Estate and Gift Tax Impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”

Written by Jeffrey K. Eisen On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Act” into law.  Of its 870 pages and its massive impact on virtually all Americans, only one provision (on page 227) affects the estate tax, gift tax and Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) tax, but it is a very important one. What Changed?          For deaths occurring, or gifts made, on or … Continue reading Estate and Gift Tax Impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”

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International Trade, Regulatory

Update on Reciprocal Tariffs: Deadline Extended, New Rates Announced

Written by Susan Kohn Ross The reciprocal tariffs deadline has been extended to August 1, 2025. See here for the related Executive Order.  Yesterday, information about the letters sent to several countries was also made public – the rates and countries are as follows: 1. Japan: 25% on all Japanese products sent to U.S.2. South Korea: 25%3. Tunisia: 25%4. Malaysia: 25%5. Kazakhstan: 25%6. South Africa: 30%7. Bosnia … Continue reading Update on Reciprocal Tariffs: Deadline Extended, New Rates Announced

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