Re: Aphorisms and Copyright

On Aug 27, 1998, Leah Gadzikowski <lrgadz01[_at_]gwise.louisville.edu> wrote:
>
> On Fri, 21 Aug 1998, Bob Stock <bstock[_at_]ucla.edu> wrote:
> >
> > Length of text is a criterion for copyright protection in the US.
> >
> > "The following are examples of works not subject to copyright and
> > applications for registration of such works cannot be entertained:
> >
> > (a) Words and short phrases such as names, titles, and slogans;"
>
> How can Ralph Lauren sue the American Polo Association to stop them from
> using the word "Polo" then? I've always thought that this was a really
> stupid lawsuit since the game was there for a least 100 years before
> Ralph, but there it is.

That is a trademark action, not copyright. However, you're still right:
It IS a really stupid lawsuit.

Bob Cumbow
Perkins Coie LLP
cumbr[_at_]perkinscoie.com
206-583-8566 Received on Fri Aug 28 1998 - 15:54:21 GMT