The Law Office of Clarissa Harvey

06/06/2026

Thinking about riding the wave? Think again. With matches coming to Kansas City, brands may be tempted to capitalize on the buzz, but using terms like "FIFA", "World Cup 2026" or implying any relationship with the event without authorization opens you up to liability.

FIFA is notorious for enforcing their IP rights, and the consequences can go beyond a cease-and-desist letter. Meta is actively banning business accounts for trademark infringement. Unintentional or not, a social media shutdown or an infringement lawsuit can devastate your business.

Rule of thumb: If you aren't an official sponsor, affiliate or a licensee, don't imply you are. Always consult a trademark attorney before launching any related campaigns! 💼⚖️

When Joyce Watts of Boujee Bakery began to update her website with promotions to lure soccer fans to her location east of downtown, she ran into an unexpected roadblock: “FIFA World Cup 2026” is protected intellectual property.

02/25/2026

Prediction market Kalshi has been asked to remove references to March Madness, an NCAA federally registered trademark, from the platform.

The NCAA has formally requested that Kalshi stop using the "March Madness" trademark on their prediction market platform.

02/24/2026

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce launched their steakhouse, 1587 Prime, earlier this year, but now the owners of 1587 Sneakers, a shoe company based in New York City, are concerned with preserving their intellectual property rights and preventing. consumer confusion.

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce co-own 1587 Prime steakhouse in Kansas City, and they are now being sued by 1587 Sneakers for trademark infringement.

12/09/2025

🚩Cautionary Tale: Flaco's Tacos, a mom & pop food truck in California, received a cease and desist letter from a Chicago establishment with the same name. They were on the verge of doubling business/ adding a second vehicle this year.

Rafael Calvillo, the owner of the truck, was given until January 1 to change the name, but said it will cost him thousands of dollars.

02/11/2025

This year’s Super Bowl halftime show features the one and only federal trademark protected Kendrick Lamar – yes, his name is a registered trademark!

Kendrick Lamar is the stage name for Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, and became a registered trademark in 2014. The trademark is used for sound recordings and entertainment services, including live musical performances and live musical concerts.

Kendrick Lamar is known for his complex songwriting, including "Alright," which has a theme of hope in the face of adversity. In 2018, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music, becoming the first musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to receive it.

12/05/2024

🚩 Two Title Companies are Wrapped Up in a Dispute Over Trademark Infringement!

Baton Rouge-based "Central Title & Closing Co." is suing Lafayette-based "Central Title" for trademark infringement. CTCC is seeking an injunction prohibiting CT from using “Central Title” in East Baton Rouge Parish and other parishes in which CTCC operates. CTCC is also seeking damages for losses incurred as a result of CT’s use of the trademark and reimbursement for legal fees.

Baton Rouge-based Central Title & Closing Co. LLC is suing Lafayette-based Central Title LLC for trademark infringement.

11/30/2024

Our founder, Clarissa Harvey, talks about the importance of giving back to the community and supporting local businesses!

11/23/2024

Small Businesses are the backbone of our community! Thank you City of Topeka Government for the invitation to speak at the 2024 Supplier Diversity Workshop on Government Contracts and Legal Compliance.

10/28/2024

📣 Attention influencers and student athletes! Join the
United States Patent and Trademark Office on Nov 15th for a hybrid event on Name, Image, & Likeness. Learn about the benefits to registering a trademark and common pitfalls regarding contracts. ⚖️

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hosts a series of name, image, and likeness (NIL) events to share the importance of protecting intellectual property (IP), and registering trademarks.

07/12/2024

We’re ready to step into the weekend 👠

In 1953, Italian fashion designer Salvatore FERRAGAMO received a U.S. design patent for a high heel. His design resided in the configuration of the heel where it joins the upper portion of the vamp between the heel and the sole.

Ferragamo’s first American patent actually wasn’t for the shoe designs he’s influenced in fashion. It was for a turnbuckle that adjusts tension in ropes or cables, patented on Oct. 11, 1921.