The University of California retained its #1 spot and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology retained its #2 spot from the 2019 Top 100 list. Stanford University unseated the University of Texas from the #3 spot in 2019.

Roblox released a statement saying it is “surprised and disappointed” by a lawsuit filed on behalf of National Music Publishers’ Association members. Also in their statement, they said, “We do not tolerate copyright infringement, which is why we use industry-leading, advanced filtering technology to detect and prohibit unauthorized recordings.” The company claims that they respond to valid Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown requests and takes action against repeat offenders.

Crocs claims that these competitors have been “intentionally and frequently” replicating its “unique and recognizable” footwear, “not due to competitive need, but because of the significant goodwill that the Crocs marks have accumulated over the past two decades during their use by Crocs.” In part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Crocs claims the consumer desire for Crocs is stronger than ever, with Crocs’ revenues up by 64% in Q1 2021.

Stitch Editing has established itself as a reputable and experienced video-editing company for commercials and music videos. Their client list includes ESPN, Louis Vuitton, BMW, Pizza Hut, and Lego, while its music video clients include The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Ariana Grande.

There has been differing opinions on what this ruling means for the future of software and copyright law. Some experts claim this decision is a win for computer programmers and small businesses, where they can now reimplement APIs (“declaring code”) without permission covered under fair use to write their own new and creative programs (“implementing code”). While others say this ruling negates the need to copyright software in the first place and will cause companies to keep their software code private and harm the open-source ecosystem.

By Robinhood using his image and likeness in their newsletter, Ice Cube claims that they’re falsely associating him with their brand and making it seem like he endorses them—when he, in fact, does not. Robinhood refuses to take the image down, stating that “the image was licensed and used for non-commercial, editorial purposes in connection with a blog article.” Second image from TMZ

DoorDash is allegedly using this technology to search for and track Dashers, as well as use the Dasher’s location, speed, and direction to estimate when the Dasher will reach their destination. Dashers are DoorDash’s delivery personnel. Gridley IP LLP is seeking to have DoorDash found to have infringed “the patents-in-suit, an accounting of all infringing sales and damages, to permanently restrain and enjoin (prohibit) DoorDash from further and future infringement, an award for damages, and other costs.”

So, if your business has had to discontinue the use of its trademark, what can you do to keep your trademark active? The presumption of abandonment can be rebutted if you are able to show intention to resume the use of your mark. Additional excusable conditions for non-use include trade embargoes, the sale of a business, acts of God, illness impacting the operation of the business, or a deficiency in supply of necessary materials or equipment. To submit proof of “excusable non-use” consult your lawyer to help you file a Declaration of Excusable Non-Use with the USPTO to protect your trademark!