Knockoff News 48
A weekly (or thereabouts) collection of news about counterfeits, fakes, knockoffs, replicas, imitations, and the culture of copying in general around the globe:
- "Just say no": South Africa uses knockoff slogan in campaign against fakes
- Heart of darkness: US ambassador instructs Kenya on dangers of fakes
- I'm just a bill (almost): New draft law on counterfeits imminent in Malawi
- Malawi traders complain against foreigners selling imported fakes
- Mozambique marks World Customs Day, plans new anti-piracy law
- Once more, with feeling: Anti-counterfeit bill pending in Kenya
- Growth industry: Fake biz is booming, trade groups report
- Can't get no satisfaction: U.S. experts nonplussed by China's anti-fake efforts
- Dropped stitch: Elle mag loses appeal over competing Elle yarn mark
- 300: New Zealand Customs reports three-fold increase in counterfeit imports
- Sporting news: South Carolina man arrested with counterfeit sports merch
- Senior discount: Pensioner gets suspended sentence for selling fashion fakes
- Op-ed: Counterfeits a more immediate danger than terrorism and Mid-East war
- Daytona vice: 9 arrested for selling fake handbags and hats
- Flea flicker: Vendors return, but sales lag after undercover raid
- Escada sues reseller over use of mark in ads
- Penalty box: NHL warns against counterfeit All-Star Game goods
- Failure of Pakistan/India basmati talks may lead to WTO action (HT: IP Kat)
And finally, an allegedly treif trademark use, brought to you courtesy of the letter "K":
Of course, the complaining New Jersey company doesn't really own the letter "K," which is not registrable on its own. Kof-K owns a mark consisting of the Roman letter "K" printed inside the Hebrew letter "kof," one of dozens of kosher certification marks currently registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
So even if Kof-K isn't willing to supervise production and certify Tight Fit Productions' products as kosher, surely someone will volunteer for the job....
UPDATE: For a tasty and tasteful take on this issue, check out the inimitable Likelihood of Confusion.
