Entertainment Promotions International owns the Canadian merchandising rights to the registered identifying logos of numerous prominent rock groups, for use on such things as buttons, T shirts and posters. These rights are worth many millions of dollars. Illegal reproduction of merchandise with the logos and unauthorized sales of the merchandise have cost Entertainment Promotions International millions of dollars in lost sales and the devaluation of legitimate products because of the poor quality of the bootlegged products
a. What legislation would protect Entertainment Promotions International in this case?
b. What rights does Entertainment Promotions International have and what can it do to prevent this happening again?
c. Suppose an unauthorized seller made it clear that they were selling “Genuine Imitation Rock Group T shirts.” Could Entertainment Promotions International do anything about that, and why or why not?
d. What other penalties do the illegal merchandisers face?
ANSWER:
a. The legislation that would protect Entertainment Promotions International in this case is intellectual property law, specifically trademark law. Trademarks protect the logos and identifying marks of businesses or organizations, granting exclusive rights to the trademark owner and preventing others from using or reproducing them without permission.
b. Entertainment Promotions International has the following rights and can take various actions to prevent unauthorized reproduction and sales:
Exclusive Use: As the owner of the Canadian merchandising rights to the logos, Entertainment Promotions International has the exclusive right to use those logos on merchandise such as buttons, T-shirts, and posters. They can legally prevent others from using these logos without authorization.
Trademark Enforcement: Entertainment Promotions International can actively enforce their trademark rights by monitoring the market for unauthorized reproductions and taking legal action against infringers. This may involve sending cease and desist letters, pursuing civil litigation, and seeking damages for lost sales and harm to their brand reputation.
Licensing Agreements: Entertainment Promotions International can enter into licensing agreements with authorized manufacturers and distributors to ensure that only authorized and legitimate products are produced and sold. These agreements would specify the terms and conditions for the use of their trademarks, including quality control measures.
Brand Protection: Entertainment Promotions International can implement strategies to protect their brand, such as educating consumers about the genuine merchandise and the risks of purchasing counterfeit products. They can also invest in anti-counterfeiting measures like holograms, unique serial numbers, or other security features to differentiate genuine merchandise from counterfeit ones.
c. If an unauthorized seller made it clear that they were selling “Genuine Imitation Rock Group T-shirts,” Entertainment Promotions International could take legal action against them. The term “Genuine Imitation” implies that the products are genuine or official merchandise, which would mislead consumers. It could potentially constitute false advertising or trademark infringement. Entertainment Promotions International could pursue legal remedies, such as sending a cease and desist letter or initiating legal proceedings, to protect their trademark rights and prevent the unauthorized use of their logos.
d. The illegal merchandisers face various penalties for their actions, including:
Civil Lawsuits: Entertainment Promotions International can sue the illegal merchandisers for trademark infringement and seek damages for lost sales, brand devaluation, and other harm caused by their unauthorized activities. This can result in significant financial penalties.
Injunctions: The court may grant injunctions to stop the illegal merchandisers from continuing their infringing activities. Injunctions are court orders that prohibit specific actions, such as the production, sale, or distribution of counterfeit merchandise.
Criminal Charges: In certain cases, the illegal merchandisers may face criminal charges related to counterfeiting or trademark infringement. If convicted, they can face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the offense.
Seizure of Counterfeit Merchandise: Law enforcement authorities can seize and confiscate counterfeit merchandise, preventing its further distribution and sale.
It’s important to note that the specific penalties may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the applicable laws governing intellectual property and trademarks. Entertainment Promotions International should consult with legal professionals to understand the full range of legal options and consequences available in their particular situation.