US top court hears copyright case involving Jack Daniels and a dog toy

WASHINGTON—The phrase “dog poop” was uttered several times on Wednesday in the hallowed chamber of the US Supreme Court as justices seemed baffled in a case concerning a squeaky chew toy for pets that closely resembles the famous black label on Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

The chew toy, named “Bad Spaniels,” has the distinctive shape of the distillery’s black-labeled square whiskey bottles, but with added toilet humor.

While the Tennessee whiskey has an alcohol content of 40 percent, Bad Spaniels is -- allegedly -- made of “43 percent poo” that may end up on “Tennessee carpets.” nine Cola,” says it is shielded behind the right to parody, which authorizes infringements of copyright in the cultural sphere.

Deploring an attack on its image, the iconic distillery sued Arizona-based VIP Products, marketer of the chew toy, and alleged harm to its trademark. After several twists and turns, the case has now ended up in front of the Supreme Court.

“There are a lot of products that take themselves too seriously,” attorney Bennett Cooper told the court on behalf of VIP Products.

“Jack Daniels advertised itself in a serious way that Jack is everyone’s friend. And Bad Spaniels is a parody -- playful in comparing Jack to man’s other best friend.”

Justice Elena Kagan wasn’t immediately convinced.

“Maybe I just have no sense of humor, but what’s the parody?” she asked. “You use the mark of a large company (and say) well guys, they must take themselves too seriously, because they’re a big company.” ‘I had a dog’ an advance electronic copy of their duly accomplished proxy forms (which need not be notarized) during registration, and send the originals on or before 05 April 2023 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 10th Floor Six/NEO, 5th Avenue cor. 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, for validation pursuant to the Company’s By-laws. A sample format of the proxy form for individual and corporate stockholders are attached.

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The dispute may have wider ramifications for how trademark law is applied in the United States, as the court’s nine judges weigh whether free speech trumps intellectual property rights.

The matter “does seem to me to present serious First Amendment issues” that protect freedom of expression, Justice Samuel Alito said.

VIP, which also sells fake cans of “Ca-

The spirits maker, which is owned by Kentucky-based Brown-Forman Corp., took legal action in 2014, when the dog toy appeared on the market. After an initial court victory, Jack Daniel’s lost on appeal.

As the case made its way to the Supreme Court, Jack Daniel’s was backed by other big American corporations, such as food giant Campbell, whose soup cans were featured in Andy Warhol’s famous paintings, and clothes makers Patagonia and Levi Strauss, who argued that such humor can hurt their reputations. AFP

TODAY’S leading beauty and wellness super brand, Beautéderm Corporation, led by its president and CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan, celebrates five years of partnership with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

In a media conference, Beautéderm and Sparkle joined forces with GMA stars Cassy Legaspi, Bianca Umali, Ruru Madrid, Rayver Cruz, and Sanya Lopez renewing their contracts last March 7 at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

“I value my partnership with Sparkle GMA Artist Center. Part of the reason why Beautéderm continues to sparkle is because of these artists—Ruru, Rayver, Cassy, Bianca, and Sanya—who put us on the map. They represent the brand well through their efforts, talents, and beauty inside and out,” Anicoche-Tan said. During the contract renewal, five fresh faces were added to the brand’s stellar lineup of endorsers. Introduced as Beautéderm’s newest endorsers were Patricia Tumulak, Buboy Villar, Thia Thomalla, Ysabel Ortega, and EA Guzman

“We are dedicated to reaching more people all over the world, making sure they have quality products to rely on – from beauty to wellness products. And by expanding more, we are able to help more people – from elderly people

…are talking about

Klea Pineda

Coming out about one’s sexuality is difficult in a conservative country like the Philippines, even though society is slowly progressing towards inclusivity and gender equality. Still, Kapuso actress Klea mustered the courage to tell the world about the person she loves. She’s finally speaking her truth and doing things that make her happy. Although Pride Month is still some weeks away, love wins every time.

Beautéderm president and CEO Rhea AnicocheTan continues to value her partnership with Sparkle GMA Artist Center