Investors in California may be interested in finding that Microsoft has filed an antitrust lawsuit against InterDigital for patent fraud. On Aug. 20, Microsoft filed a lawsuit claiming that InterDigital was in violation of antitrust laws since it failed to honor their agreement and licence the essential mobile phone communications technology fairly. This recent lawsuit is just the latest chapter in a long lasting dispute the two companies have had over patent licensing issues.
State law doesn't trump federal copyright laws
California intellectual property owners may be interested to learn that most courts agree that federal copyright laws supersede many state law claims. In a 2015 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit held that a software marketing company that sought damages on the grounds that another firm stole its trade secrets and violated the Texas Theft Liability Act was not entitled to exemption from federal court jurisdiction.
Court orders Swift to testify in trademark infringement case
California fans of Taylor Swift may know that Lucky 13 sued her for trademark infringement in May 2014. Despite the best efforts of her lawyers, a court has ordered her to testify in the case.
Developments in lawsuit over "Happy Birthday" copyright
The legal battle over the rights to the music and lyrics of the song 'Happy Birthday" took an unexpected turn on July 29 when a songbook containing the song was presented in a California court. Good Morning to You Productions is making a documentary about 'Happy Birthday," and the company claims that the songbook, which was published in 1922, is evidence that the ubiquitous tune has been in the public domain for decades.
