AUTHOR'S NOTE

Embarking on a journey into the captivating world of Intellectual

Property is akin to setting sail on an exciting adventure. It's a
voyage that takes us deep into the heart of creativity and
innovation, unravelling mysteries and complexities along the way.
Within the pages of this book, we explore a dynamic landscape,
encountering copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets -
like colourful threads weaving together the fabric of our modern
world.

As you navigate through these pages, imagine yourself strolling

through a garden of knowledge, each flower representing a
different facet of intellectual property. We aim to kindle your
curiosity, to spark that inner flame of wonder, and to shed light
on the vital role IP plays in safeguarding the ingenuity that
defines our society.

This journey isn't just about legalities; it's a narrative of human

ingenuity and how it's protected and cherished. We'll journey
through historical milestones and contemporary legal battles,
unearthing stories that resonate with the essence of creativity. So,
let's embark together on this intellectual odyssey, where every
turn of the page holds the promise of a new insight, and where
knowledge intertwines with inspiration, creating a tapestry of
understanding that enriches us all.
 PREFACE
Intellectual property (IP) is one of the most valuable assets in
today's world. From patents and trademarks to copyrights and
trade secrets, IP protects the creative and innovative work of
individuals and businesses.

However, IP is also vulnerable to infringement. When someone

uses your IP without permission, it can have a devastating impact
on your finances and reputation.

This book tells the stories of famous IP cases that resulted in huge
financial awards for the IP holders. These cases demonstrate the
importance of safeguarding IP and the potential benefits of
pursuing legal action against infringers.

As authors, we have a personal interest in IP protection and have

seen first-hand the devastating impact that IP infringement can
have on creators and innovators. We have also seen the power of
IP law to help creators and innovators defend their rights and
obtain compensation for their losses.

This book is written to raise awareness of the importance of IP

protection and to share the stories of those who have successfully
fought for their IP rights.

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

AUTHOR’S NOTE 1

PREFACE 2

CHAPTER I – THE NAME HAS IT ALL! 4

CHAPTER II - CROCS UNDER EUIPO'S FEET! 12

CHAPTER III - ROYALTY FOR LOYALTY! 18

CHAPTER IV - GUCCI'S GUESS WAS RIGHT! 24

CHAPTER V - STAR WARS VS BATTLESTAR 30

GALACTICA

2
 CHAPTER I

THE NAME HAS IT ALL!

3
 INTRODUCTION
Did you know that using someone's name without their
permission can lead to a massive million-dollar fine? It's true! If
you use a person's name for commercial reasons without asking
them first, you could end up with a multimillion-dollar penalty.
One famous case that caught the world's attention was when the
basketball legend Michael Jordan took on a Chinese apparel
company called Qiaodan Sports.

Picture this: Michael Jordan, the superstar known worldwide for

his incredible basketball skills, found his name being used without
his permission to sell products by Qiaodan Sports.

It was like a real-life courtroom drama, with lawyers battling it

out in China's busy courts. People everywhere were curious to see
if the basketball hero could protect his name and brand from
being exploited.

In 2016, the court case unfolded, and all eyes were on the
proceedings. The case shed light on the importance of respecting
someone's identity and the serious consequences of misusing

4
 famous names for profit. Michael Jordan fought hard to defend
his rights, and in the end, the court ruled in his favour, making
Qiaodan Sports pay a huge fine for their unauthorized actions.

This story shows that even the biggest stars face challenges when
it comes to protecting their names and ideas.

So, whether you're a sports fan or just curious about legal battles,
this chapter will take you through the exciting details of the 2016
patent infringement case (Infringement is when someone uses or
copies someone else's work, ideas, or property without their
permission. It's like taking something that doesn't belong to you
and using it as your own, which is not allowed and can lead to
legal consequences.)

That being said get ready to dive deep into the intricacies of the
famous case that rocked the world of sports and intellectual
property rights.

5
 THE ANTICIPATION
Once upon a time in the fast-paced world of global sports, there
was a company called Qiaodan Sports Co. They became famous
in China for their clothes and shoes, but there was something
intriguing about their name—it sounded almost like Michael
Jordan's Chinese name!

Now, Michael Jordan, whom everyone knows as one of the

greatest basketball players ever, discovered that his legacy was
tied to Qiaodan Sports Co.'s brand. This led to a sensational legal
battle that captured the attention of the world.

6
 THE CLAIMS
Michael Jordan, the basketball superstar, had not only built a
fortune with his famous name, jersey number, and iconic leaping
pose but also his unique brand. However, trouble brewed when a
company called Qiaodan Sports Co. used his name and image
without permission.

This caused confusion among Chinese customers, who thought

there was a partnership between Jordan and the sportswear
company. The false impression damaged Jordan's brand value
and reputation. Now, the battle was on as Jordan fought to
protect his legacy and set things right

You might be curious about the evidence presented in the

courtroom. Isn't it? well well, The showdown happened in the
Chinese court, where Michael Jordan's legal team put up a strong
fight against Qiaodan Sports Co. They had proof to show that the
company's actions were unfair competition and violated Jordan's
rights to his name and image.

On the other side, the defence team of Qiaodan Sports Co. argued
back, claiming they had every right to use the name "Jordan" as
it had become a common term in China. It was a battle of wits
and evidence, and everyone was on the edge of their seats to see
who would come out on top!

7
 You might be curious about the evidence presented in the
courtroom. Isn't it? Well, the showdown happened in the Chinese
court, where Michael Jordan's legal team put up a strong fight
against Qiaodan Sports Co. They had proof to show that the
company's actions were unfair competition and violated Jordan's
rights to his name and image.

On the other side, the defence team of Qiaodan Sports Co. argued
back, claiming they had every right to use the name "Jordan" as
it had become a common term in China. It was a battle of wits
and evidence, and everyone was on the edge of their seats to see
who would come out on top!

8
 THE VERDICT
In a big decision that shook the sports world, the Supreme
People's Court of China made a historic judgment in December
2016. It was a game-changer when the court agreed that Qiaodan
Sports Co.'s use of the "Qiaodan" brand and logo caused
confusion among customers and unfairly profited from Jordan's
famous reputation.

The ruling was a game-winning shot for Jordan as the court

ordered Qiaodan Sports Co. to stop using his name and pay him
compensation for the damages caused. It was a victory not just
for Jordan but for all athletes who fight to protect their identity
and hard-earned reputation. The court's decision made history,
leaving a lasting impact on sports branding and the protection of
athletes' rights.

Moving ahead, the story brews further, and in China's legal

system, the Michael Jordan v. Qiaodan Sports Co. case was a
landmark event. Trusting the sources, the case set a crucial
example for protecting the rights of famous individuals and their
ideas. The decision highlighted the importance of keeping sports
legends' identities and reputations safe from unlawful commercial
use. This issue sparked lively discussions on how sports branding
works globally and the responsibility of businesses to follow
ethical standards. It's like a thrilling game where the rules of
fairness and respect for athletes' rights are on the line. This case
has left a lasting impact, influencing how we view and protect the
stars we admire both on and off the court.

9
 CONCLUSION
With this the case finally comes with a solution or I rather say a
resounding thud of the judge's gavel, Michael Jordan emerged as
the winner, achieving a spectacular triumph for athletes
worldwide.

This case also became a powerful reminder of the importance of

protecting intellectual property rights and the never-give-up
attitude of one determined individual safeguarding his legacy.

The clash between Michael Jordan and Qiaodan Sports Co. has
forever altered the way we understand sports and branding in
today's world. It's like a roller coaster journey/story of how a
single legal battle can reshape the rules of the game and leave a
lasting impact on athletes and their rights.

So, next time you see a famous sports star, remember that their
name and image represent more than just their achievements;
they stand as symbols of hard-fought victories in and out of the
court.

10
 CHAPTER II

CROCS UNDER EUIPO'S FEET!

11
 INTRODUCTION
Have you ever thought that a simple design could lead to a big
legal showdown? Well, that's exactly what happened in the case of
Crocs!

These comfortable and stylish shoes became a fashion trend, but

there was a hidden legal battle going on with the European Union
Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)-an organization responsible
for registering and managing intellectual property rights within
the European Union.

Well, this chapter takes you behind the scenes, revealing the
fascinating story of design registration, debates over originality,
and the exciting world of international intellectual property law.

12
 THE ANTICIPATION
In November 2004, something exciting happened for Western
Brands LLC, a US-based company. They achieved a major
milestone by registering the ground-breaking Crocs design with
the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) as a
Community Design.

But that's not all! Before that, in May 2004, they had already filed
a US patent application, securing their rights to the unique design
that had taken the market by storm.

It was like unlocking the door to protect their amazing creation

and conquer the world of footwear fashion!

13
 THE CLAIMS
Let's fast forward to 2013, nearly ten years later, when the
registered Crocs design faced a challenge from a French business
called Gifi Diffusion. They raised concerns about the design's
validity under EU trademark law and asked the European Union
Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to declare it invalid.

Their argument was that the design had already been widely
known for over a year before the US patent application was
submitted, which was the important date for claiming rights. It's
like a thrilling plot twist in the world of footwear, where a
popular design faced a serious test of its authenticity.

From this point, the legal drama triumphs as Gifi Diffusion takes
on the iconic Crocs brand in this battle of trademark rights!

Refusing to give up, Crocs fought back and took the case to the
General Court of the European Union.

They were determined to overturn the EUIPO's decision. Their

argument was based on the fact that the acts revealing the design
were not done within the European Union.

So, according to Crocs, professionals in the footwear industry

within the EU couldn't have known about it in their regular
business dealings. It's like a courtroom thriller, where Crocs tries
to prove that the evidence against their design's validity doesn't
hold up. Get ready for a legal showdown that could change the
fate of the iconic Crocs forever!

14
 THE VERDICT
Unfortunately for Crocs, the General Court upheld the EUIPO's
decision, delivering a significant judgment about the reach of
intellectual property rights. The court ruled that it didn't matter
where the revealing actions happened.

They pointed out that both the Crocs website and the nautical fair
in Fort Lauderdale, where the design was showcased, had a
worldwide audience.

This meant that Crocs couldn't show that at least one of these
activities didn't make the design public before the deadline. It's
like a legal mystery, where the court unravelled the truth about
the design's exposure, leaving Crocs with a tough loss.

This case sets an important precedent for how we understand the

global impact of intellectual property rights in today's
interconnected world.

15
 CONCLUSION
In the end, the European Court of Justice rejected Crocs' claim,
emphasizing the significance of the novelty rule and the
worldwide reach of intellectual property law.

This case is a valuable lesson for companies facing design

registration challenges, showing how vital it is to meet the
requirement of having a new and original design. It's like a
cautionary tale of the twists and turns in the legal world,
reminding businesses to carefully plan when and where they
reveal their creations in the global marketplace.

Crocs had to come to terms with a harsh truth – their beloved

design, which was once revolutionary, lost its protection because
of earlier disclosures. It's like a rollercoaster ride of emotions for
Crocs, and this story serves as a wake-up call for all innovators
and companies in the ever-changing landscape of design and
intellectual property.

So, next time you see a trendy design, remember the journey of
Crocs and the important lessons they learned along the way.

16
 CHAPTER 3

ROYALTY FOR LOYALTY!

17
 INTRODUCTION
Copyrights are like a superpower in the world of creativity. Ah,
that's a powerful tool to explore and use. I'm sure you guys know
about Spotify! Well, this chapter will fill you in on all the juicy
details about what happened with Spotify.

With the rise of online streaming services like Spotify, listening to

music has become super easy and convenient. But wait, there's a
twist!

In this case, we'll dive into the exciting world of digital music and
how copyright holders are making sure they get what they
deserve on these online platforms.

So, get ready for an exciting journey through the digital age of
music and the battle to protect the rights of the talented artists
behind those catchy tunes!

18
 THE ANTICIPATION
The music world has gone through a remarkable transformation,
moving from old-school LP recordings to the magical world of
streaming services like Spotify. It's like a fascinating dance of
technology and music! But wait, in this enchanting symphony,
there's a twist.

Artists and music publishers are voicing their concerns, saying

that the money they receive from streaming services doesn't
sound quite right. It's like a battle of tunes and royalties, and
everyone is eagerly waiting to see how this musical showdown
unfolds

Moving ahead, talking about the artisans. The artists dream of a

revolutionary change, like a fantastic melody that matches the
huge popularity of their amazing music. They want a new
royalties system that counts the number of times their songs are
streamed online. It's like a movement for progress where
creativity and fair payment come together to create a harmonious
future for musicians.

Get ready to witness an ingenious revolution in the music

industry, where the artists' talents are recognized and rewarded
like never before! It's a thrilling journey of music, passion, and
the pursuit of a fair and rewarding tune.

19
 THE CLAIMS
Spotify, the most loved music streaming service globally, found
itself in the middle of an exciting class action lawsuit during a
series of legal clashes.

Music publishers and artists raised their voices in a powerful

chorus, seeking fairness for what they believe are unpaid
royalties.

The courtroom became a thrilling stage, with justice as the main

act, creating an electrifying showdown that had everyone's
attention.

In a courtroom showdown that rocked the music industry, Spotify

faced a class action lawsuit, and the final judgment sent
shockwaves!

20
 THE VERDICT
A triumphant gavel strike settled the case with a jaw-dropping
$112.00 million! It was an epic tale of justice, where the scales
perfectly balanced melody and fairness, showcasing the power of
technology in safeguarding the rights of copyright holders.

In the captivating realm of digitality, copyright holders play the

role of fearless guardians. They navigate the ever-evolving online
platforms with grace, using data, cutting-edge tools, and legal
expertise to ensure they receive the recognition and compensation
they rightfully deserve.

It's a thrilling dance of creativity and protection, as they fight to

make sure their art resonates with the world while getting their
fair share

21
 CONCLUSION
The music world is transforming with the rise of online streaming
platforms. This brings new challenges for artists, music
publishers, and copyright holders.

They must be proactive and adapt to the changing landscape,

using legal tools and staying updated on industry trends to
protect their music and get fair payment.

It's like a thrilling adventure where they navigate the digital

realm to secure their creative works and make sure they are
rightly rewarded for their talent and efforts!

22
 CHAPTER IV

GUCCI'S GUESS WAS RIGHT!

23
 INTRODUCTION
Long ago, in the glamorous fashion world, two giants stood tall:
Gucci, the symbol of luxury and grace, and Guess, the epitome of
trendiness and style. But their rivalry was not just about fashion
shows; it spilled into courtrooms worldwide.

This is the gripping tale of their trademark battle that fascinated

fashion lovers and legal experts alike.

This is an interesting case that happened in the world of fashion,

where luxury and trends collide in a high-stakes showdown of
wits and creativity!

24
 THE ANTICIPATION
Back in 2009, there was a buzz in the fashion world as rumours
spread about a brewing conflict. Gucci, known for its famous "G"
logo and timeless green and red stripes, pointed fingers at Guess,
accusing them of copying their designs to ride on Gucci's fame.

The whole world was eager to see how this fashion face-off would
unfold in court. Was Guess really trying to imitate Gucci, or was
it just a big misunderstanding?

It's like a suspenseful drama in the fashion world, where the

battle for dominance and originality takes centre stage.

So basically, two titans clashed in pursuit of their rightful place in

the spotlight!

25
 THE CLAIMS
The stage was set in the New York Federal Court, where Gucci
stepped into the spotlight, ready to present their case. They
claimed with passion and conviction that Guess had purposefully
mimicked their distinguishing trademarks (Trademarks are
symbols, words, or designs that distinguish products or services
from others in the marketplace, helping consumers identify and
associate them with a specific brand or source.), in order to fool
consumers and profit from Gucci's reputation.

The focus switched to the standout displays, Gucci's Repeating

GG Pattern and Guess's Quattro G Pattern. The audience was
astounded by the striking parallels, and the New York Court
awarded Gucci a whopping $4.7 million in damages. The drama,
however, didn't conclude with appreciation in New York. In an
unforeseen twist, the setting was changed to Milan, where the
fashion story took an unexpected turn. Guess was found not guilty
of any misconduct by the Milan Court, which ruled against it.

The court ruling highlighted subtle design discrepancies between

the trademarks, stating they wouldn't deceive discerning
fashionistas. Gucci and Guess engaged in a fierce legal battle in
the fashion industry. Further, The Milan Court made a bold
move by cancelling some of Gucci's marks in Italy, surprising
everyone with the judges' different opinions. The fight spread to
courts in cities like Paris and Beijing. Gucci scored a victory at
the Nanjing Intermediate People's Court in China, but the war is
still far from finished.

26
 THE VERDICT
Finally, a glimmer of hope appeared in the midst of years of court
battles. The Gucci and Guess representatives had gathered in a
secret location on the fateful day of April 2018. The two
adversaries reached a settlement through the virtue of
compromise.

The conditions were kept a secret, raising speculation and

curiosity within the fashion community. In a surprising turn of
events, the rivals and partners in fashion, Gucci, and Guess,
acknowledged the importance of safeguarding each other's
patents and creative works in a joint statement.

After a decade-long spectacle, the curtains fell on their trademark

battle, leaving the world in awe. It's like a dramatic finale where
two fashion giants put their differences aside and come to an
agreement to protect their unique designs.

Get ready for a thrilling conclusion to this fashion saga, as Gucci

and Guess show that even in the competitive world of fashion,
cooperation and respect for each other's creativity can lead to a
harmonious resolution!

27
 THE CONCLUSION
As the legal storm cleared, Gucci and Guess continued to shine in
the fashion world. They both kept their unique styles, making it
easy for fashion lovers worldwide to distinguish between them
without any confusion.

Their journey of fierce competition and eventual settlement is a

powerful lesson in protecting creativity and the ability to find
common ground.

And so, the fierce battle between the fashion titans came to an
end. It's a day that will always be remembered as the moment
when Gucci and Guess put their rivalry to rest.

Their story is a reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts

and finding common ground, leaving behind a legacy of
cooperation and respect in the glamorous world of fashion.

28
 CHAPTER V

STAR WARS VS BATTLESTAR

GALACTICA

29
 INTRODUCTION
UNRAVELING THE GALACTIC MYSTERIES: A
JOURNEY THROUGH STAR SYSTEMS
Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a
magnificent universe full of amazing stars and planets. They
danced together, creating a magical cosmic symphony. But here's
the twist: this celestial music was not just beautiful; it was also
protected by intellectual property rights.

It's like a cosmic treasure, where even the wonders of the universe
are safeguarded and respected. So, get ready to be enchanted by
this cosmic tale, where the secrets of the stars and galaxies unfold,
and the harmony of the universe is celebrated and protected!

30
 THE ANTICIPATION

Imagine a fascinating universe, where stars and planets dance

together, creating a celestial symphony of light and energy. Each
star has its unique voice, making the music of the cosmos truly
magical.

But here's the surprising part: this cosmic melody is protected by

copyright laws!

Just like artists on Earth, stars and astronomical bodies are part
of a Universal Copyright Consortium that safeguards their works
from unauthorized copying across the Universe.

It's like a cosmic concert where even the wonders of the galaxy
are respected and their artistic brilliance is acknowledged.

31
 STELLAR'S NURSERIES AND THE STELLAR
GIANTS
From the cosmic nurseries, the most incredible artists were born
– the stars! The Universal Copyright Consortium played a crucial
role in nurturing these prototype stars, full of brightness and
potential.

Their breath-taking performances in the celestial ballet were

carefully recorded, preserving their artistic legacy as they grew in
size and radiance.

It's like a magnificent gallery of stars, where the Universe

cherishes its brightest performers and ensures their artistic
brilliance shines forever.

32
 THE CLAIMS
The most famous stars in the cosmos were the stellar giants,
known for their breath-taking supernovae shows. But here's the
twist – their cosmic explosions were protected by strict
performance rights! To keep their brilliance exclusive to the
cosmic stage, these stunning events could only be captured and
shared using a consortium-approved sky telescope.

It's like a cosmic VIP pass, where only the chosen few get to
witness these awe-inspiring performances. Deep within the
mysterious universe, there existed enigmatic maestros known as
Black Holes. Their gravitational pull and cosmic storytelling left
everyone in awe.

But here's the surprise - even these mysterious gravitational

artists were protected by the Universal Copyright Consortium.
It's like a cosmic mystery, where even the secrets of the universe
are respected and guarded. But their abilities were so unique that
no one else could copy them without proper permission.
Unauthorized replication of their gravitational forces was seen as
a cosmic crime, and the consortium made sure to protect their
exclusive rights.

It's like a cosmic police force, guarding against any cosmic

copyright breaches. So, get ready to dive into the mysteries of the
universe, where the Black Holes' extraordinary talents are
revered and protected, and their cosmic secrets remain safe and
sound!

33
 THE VERDICT
As we travelled through the vast universe, we encountered
astonishing sights that left us in awe. Nebulae, comets, and
planetary wonders adorned the celestial canvas, each one a
masterpiece protected by intellectual property rights. Comets,
those whimsical cosmic nomads trailing starlight across the
cosmos, were also under copyright protection. Their celestial
journey and radiant tails were documented by the Universal
Copyright Consortium, making sure that their charm stayed
exclusive to authorized stargazers.

In our explorer The Consortium of Nebular Artistry carefully

guarded the vibrant and intricate artwork of the nebulae,
ensuring that their ethereal beauty remained exclusive. Every
nebula had its own copyright and unique story to share with the
Universe, from the captivating pinks and blues of the Orion
Nebula to the awe-inspiring Helix Nebula.

Also, the Universal Copyright Consortium fascinated us by

carefully monitoring these elusive entities. Dark matter, though
invisible and intangible, had its gravitational influence protected
from unauthorized search or replication, like a cryptic cosmic
enigma.

The same strict copyright protection was in place for dark energy,
the cosmic accelerator forcing galaxies to disintegrate at lightning
speed. Only authorized researchers and scientists were allowed to
study its effects and unlock its mysterious nature.

34
 CONCLUSION
And so, the fascinating cosmic tale of galactic copyright reaches
its conclusion. Every star, nebula, and cosmic dancer has a special
story to share in this extraordinary universe of wonders,
protected by the Universal Copyright Consortium.

The Universe shows us the incredible power of intellectual

property, reminding us that creativity and art know no limits, not
even among the stars. It's like a cosmic library of wonders, where
each celestial sight is a masterpiece waiting to be discovered.

Remember, dear readers, the universe is an endless expanse of

intellectual treasure waiting to be explored, treasures that can
inspire us to seek out the stars in our own creative endeavours.

You're safe in the universe, and may the cosmic copyright be with
you!

35