A recent episode of HBO’s The White Lotus sparked controversy after a character appeared in a Duke University t-shirt during a scene involving suicide. Duke has since objected, alleging the portrayal harms its brand by associating it with deeply distressing subject matter. This incident underscores the ongoing tension between brand protection and freedom of artistic expression. In this article, Anthony Wenn breaks down how the Trademark Dilution Revision Act (TDRA) governs these situations and what it means for stakeholders on both sides.

Jasmine Ohen is making it easier for women to make friends in Dallas.

Her brand, Women in Dallas, was built on helping women create meaningful friendships in their adulthood, a time when everyone is busy with work, family, and life. Jasmine lets all participants know they can expect community, connection, and communication when attending a Women in Dallas event.

Initially, Habelo Beauty was a side gig and passion project. But once Whitney Clarke saw the real impact of her product, she knew she had to invest in it—and herself—full-time.

President Donald Trump has nominated John Squires as the next Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property. With Squires’ more expansive approach to patent eligibility, he is expected to advocate for policy changes. Anthony Wenn explores how Squires’ leadership could shape the future of patent eligibility, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and patent enforcement.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly becomes a part of our daily lives, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the U.S. Copyright Office are continuingly refining patent and trademark procedures. Anthony Wenn provides insight on the most recent recommendations by the USPTO and the Copyright Office regarding advances in artificial intelligence.