alex roberts
@lexlanham.bsky.social
law professor teaching & writing about trademark, false advertising, IP, & entertainment law at northeastern
me: [reviewing very elaborate american girl doll trademark hypo with class]
student: professor, I’m sorry but you made an error & I feel obligated to let you know before we go further
me (nervous): I did? what was it?
student (gravely): you mixed up felicity & kirsten
student: professor, I’m sorry but you made an error & I feel obligated to let you know before we go further
me (nervous): I did? what was it?
student (gravely): you mixed up felicity & kirsten
November 26, 2025 at 12:41 AM
me: [reviewing very elaborate american girl doll trademark hypo with class]
student: professor, I’m sorry but you made an error & I feel obligated to let you know before we go further
me (nervous): I did? what was it?
student (gravely): you mixed up felicity & kirsten
student: professor, I’m sorry but you made an error & I feel obligated to let you know before we go further
me (nervous): I did? what was it?
student (gravely): you mixed up felicity & kirsten
in case you’re struggling to write your 1L issue spotter exam here is this absolute cluster 😫😫😫
November 25, 2025 at 7:54 PM
in case you’re struggling to write your 1L issue spotter exam here is this absolute cluster 😫😫😫
smucker's sues trader joe's for infringing their trade dress in round peanut butter & jelly sandwiches w/ crimped edges--but aren't all those design features functional?
i talked w/ @NUGlobalNews about why i think the uncrustables lawsuit is a stretch
news.northeastern.edu/2025/11/14/u...
i talked w/ @NUGlobalNews about why i think the uncrustables lawsuit is a stretch
news.northeastern.edu/2025/11/14/u...
Why Smucker’s is taking Trader Joe’s to court over PB&Js
Smucker’s is suing Trader Joe’s, claiming the grocery chain copied their Uncrustables in a lawsuit filed in Ohio. Will they succeed?
news.northeastern.edu
November 25, 2025 at 7:39 PM
smucker's sues trader joe's for infringing their trade dress in round peanut butter & jelly sandwiches w/ crimped edges--but aren't all those design features functional?
i talked w/ @NUGlobalNews about why i think the uncrustables lawsuit is a stretch
news.northeastern.edu/2025/11/14/u...
i talked w/ @NUGlobalNews about why i think the uncrustables lawsuit is a stretch
news.northeastern.edu/2025/11/14/u...
my husband is in mexico doing an ironman today & sometimes i’m like “I too would like a solo warm-weather vacation” but then I remember I don’t want to ride a bike for 6 minutes let alone 6 hours not to mention sandwiched between a swim & a run
November 23, 2025 at 1:12 PM
my husband is in mexico doing an ironman today & sometimes i’m like “I too would like a solo warm-weather vacation” but then I remember I don’t want to ride a bike for 6 minutes let alone 6 hours not to mention sandwiched between a swim & a run
saving this image for when I teach false advertising
can’t wait to see what kind of claim my students think “science shows” is
can’t wait to see what kind of claim my students think “science shows” is
November 23, 2025 at 2:28 AM
saving this image for when I teach false advertising
can’t wait to see what kind of claim my students think “science shows” is
can’t wait to see what kind of claim my students think “science shows” is
yessss this book was a delight 😍
November 21, 2025 at 3:05 AM
yessss this book was a delight 😍
ok, so? let she who *doesn’t* prefer to be formally announced upon arriving at the la brea tar pits cast the first stone
November 21, 2025 at 1:29 AM
ok, so? let she who *doesn’t* prefer to be formally announced upon arriving at the la brea tar pits cast the first stone
class action against fruit pebbles cereal alleges the cereal says the "family size" box contains 15 servings but it actually only contains 12.2 servings
in other words, theyyyyy're YABBA-DABBA-DECEPTIVELY MARKETED!
thanks i'll be here all week
truthinadvertising.org/wp-content/u...
in other words, theyyyyy're YABBA-DABBA-DECEPTIVELY MARKETED!
thanks i'll be here all week
truthinadvertising.org/wp-content/u...
November 19, 2025 at 5:18 PM
class action against fruit pebbles cereal alleges the cereal says the "family size" box contains 15 servings but it actually only contains 12.2 servings
in other words, theyyyyy're YABBA-DABBA-DECEPTIVELY MARKETED!
thanks i'll be here all week
truthinadvertising.org/wp-content/u...
in other words, theyyyyy're YABBA-DABBA-DECEPTIVELY MARKETED!
thanks i'll be here all week
truthinadvertising.org/wp-content/u...
never going to actually sign up for this site to find out how many people are reading my work or which work they’re reading
just going to enjoy the cryptic little affirmations 🥰
just going to enjoy the cryptic little affirmations 🥰
November 19, 2025 at 1:39 AM
never going to actually sign up for this site to find out how many people are reading my work or which work they’re reading
just going to enjoy the cryptic little affirmations 🥰
just going to enjoy the cryptic little affirmations 🥰
the return of the mall intercept survey!
new paper by Sean Westwood:
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
November 19, 2025 at 12:13 AM
the return of the mall intercept survey!
Reposted by alex roberts
The existence of a “real” Slim Shady, as elaborated in Mathers’ article “The Real Slim Shady”, implies coexistence with other Shadys, potentially including Swim. However, the need to proclaim a “real” Shady implies there is some potential likelihood of confusion.
In this article I will… (1/43000)
In this article I will… (1/43000)
November 18, 2025 at 11:47 PM
The existence of a “real” Slim Shady, as elaborated in Mathers’ article “The Real Slim Shady”, implies coexistence with other Shadys, potentially including Swim. However, the need to proclaim a “real” Shady implies there is some potential likelihood of confusion.
In this article I will… (1/43000)
In this article I will… (1/43000)
eminem petitions to cancel a beachwear co's registration for SWIM SHADY as a trademark for swimsuits, bags, & other swim gear based on his trademark rights in SLIM SHADY
shady alleges likelihood of confusion, false association, & dilution by blurring & tarnishment
shady alleges likelihood of confusion, false association, & dilution by blurring & tarnishment
November 18, 2025 at 11:12 PM
eminem petitions to cancel a beachwear co's registration for SWIM SHADY as a trademark for swimsuits, bags, & other swim gear based on his trademark rights in SLIM SHADY
shady alleges likelihood of confusion, false association, & dilution by blurring & tarnishment
shady alleges likelihood of confusion, false association, & dilution by blurring & tarnishment
going to tell my grandkids this is what "the troubles" refers to
November 17, 2025 at 7:20 PM
going to tell my grandkids this is what "the troubles" refers to
Reposted by alex roberts
Professor Alexandra Roberts @lexlanham.bsky.social, faculty director of @clicatnusl.bsky.social weighs in on the legality of beauty dupes in Bloomberg's deep dive into MCo Beauty and the booming dupe economy. @bloomberglp.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
Inside the Audacious Company Knocking Off Famous Beauty Brands
MCo’s business is proudly built on dupes of Estée Lauder, Fenty and the rest of the makeup aisle.
www.bloomberg.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Professor Alexandra Roberts @lexlanham.bsky.social, faculty director of @clicatnusl.bsky.social weighs in on the legality of beauty dupes in Bloomberg's deep dive into MCo Beauty and the booming dupe economy. @bloomberglp.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
buc-ees, no
a squirrel hugging two acorns surrounded by the words NUT HUGGERS as a trademark for underwear does not create a likelihood of consumer confusion with your beaver-in-a-red-hat mascot
please give us a little credit
www.dexerto.com/entertainmen...
a squirrel hugging two acorns surrounded by the words NUT HUGGERS as a trademark for underwear does not create a likelihood of consumer confusion with your beaver-in-a-red-hat mascot
please give us a little credit
www.dexerto.com/entertainmen...
Buc-ees suing ‘Nut Huggers’ underwear company over cartoon squirrel trademark infringement - Dexerto
Buc-ees is suing Oklahoma brand Nut Huggers over a cartoon squirrel logo the chain claims is trademark infringement.
www.dexerto.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM
buc-ees, no
a squirrel hugging two acorns surrounded by the words NUT HUGGERS as a trademark for underwear does not create a likelihood of consumer confusion with your beaver-in-a-red-hat mascot
please give us a little credit
www.dexerto.com/entertainmen...
a squirrel hugging two acorns surrounded by the words NUT HUGGERS as a trademark for underwear does not create a likelihood of consumer confusion with your beaver-in-a-red-hat mascot
please give us a little credit
www.dexerto.com/entertainmen...
this morning at skating there was a dad trying to get his kid ready for class while his toddler suddenly started screaming & took her pants off & I was like oof that guy has his hands full, i’ll offer to help & it was only then I noticed he also had a baby strapped to his chest?!
November 16, 2025 at 1:38 AM
this morning at skating there was a dad trying to get his kid ready for class while his toddler suddenly started screaming & took her pants off & I was like oof that guy has his hands full, i’ll offer to help & it was only then I noticed he also had a baby strapped to his chest?!
me: ok if you’re awake, think of a hypo for my IP exam
brain: …
me: ?
brain: …sample…in a…
me: brain, no
brain: I WHEELED AROUND BECAUSE I DIDN’T HEAR WHAT YOU HAD SAID/ I SAW YOU DANCING WITH ELIHU UP ON LEMOR’S BED/ WHEN I WAS FOGGY RATHER GROGGY YOU HELPED ME TO MY CAR/
brain: …
me: ?
brain: …sample…in a…
me: brain, no
brain: I WHEELED AROUND BECAUSE I DIDN’T HEAR WHAT YOU HAD SAID/ I SAW YOU DANCING WITH ELIHU UP ON LEMOR’S BED/ WHEN I WAS FOGGY RATHER GROGGY YOU HELPED ME TO MY CAR/
November 14, 2025 at 10:13 AM
me: ok if you’re awake, think of a hypo for my IP exam
brain: …
me: ?
brain: …sample…in a…
me: brain, no
brain: I WHEELED AROUND BECAUSE I DIDN’T HEAR WHAT YOU HAD SAID/ I SAW YOU DANCING WITH ELIHU UP ON LEMOR’S BED/ WHEN I WAS FOGGY RATHER GROGGY YOU HELPED ME TO MY CAR/
brain: …
me: ?
brain: …sample…in a…
me: brain, no
brain: I WHEELED AROUND BECAUSE I DIDN’T HEAR WHAT YOU HAD SAID/ I SAW YOU DANCING WITH ELIHU UP ON LEMOR’S BED/ WHEN I WAS FOGGY RATHER GROGGY YOU HELPED ME TO MY CAR/
i only ever knew one thing about larry summers & it was that he said that girls are bad at math
so now i know two things about larry summers
not looking good as legacies go, lar
so now i know two things about larry summers
not looking good as legacies go, lar
November 13, 2025 at 4:02 AM
i only ever knew one thing about larry summers & it was that he said that girls are bad at math
so now i know two things about larry summers
not looking good as legacies go, lar
so now i know two things about larry summers
not looking good as legacies go, lar
11th circuit reinstated edible arrangement's trademark infringement case against 1-800-flowers over keyword advertising, holding this res is not actually judicata
www.law360.com/articles/240...
www.law360.com/articles/240...
11th Circ. Revives Edible Arrangements TM Suit - Law360
The Eleventh Circuit reinstated a trademark infringement case brought by Edible Arrangements against 1-800-Flowers on Friday, saying a lower court had improperly granted the latter company a win by fi...
www.law360.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:50 PM
11th circuit reinstated edible arrangement's trademark infringement case against 1-800-flowers over keyword advertising, holding this res is not actually judicata
www.law360.com/articles/240...
www.law360.com/articles/240...
me: oh, 20 states have identified milk as the official state beverage? massachusetts better be cranberry juice or I’ll be so mad
me, googling: 😅 🧃
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
me, googling: 😅 🧃
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
List of U.S. state beverages - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
November 11, 2025 at 1:21 AM
me: oh, 20 states have identified milk as the official state beverage? massachusetts better be cranberry juice or I’ll be so mad
me, googling: 😅 🧃
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
me, googling: 😅 🧃
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
my student, an aspiring patent litigator, wants to know if taking fed courts is highly recommended. any thoughts?
November 10, 2025 at 10:47 PM
my student, an aspiring patent litigator, wants to know if taking fed courts is highly recommended. any thoughts?
the gap has applied to register CASHSOFT as a trademark for clothing
but the clothing isn’t made of cashmere. deceptive mark? 🧐
seems like a misdescription consumers would believe & one that’s material to the purchasing decision.
but the clothing isn’t made of cashmere. deceptive mark? 🧐
seems like a misdescription consumers would believe & one that’s material to the purchasing decision.
November 10, 2025 at 6:44 PM
the gap has applied to register CASHSOFT as a trademark for clothing
but the clothing isn’t made of cashmere. deceptive mark? 🧐
seems like a misdescription consumers would believe & one that’s material to the purchasing decision.
but the clothing isn’t made of cashmere. deceptive mark? 🧐
seems like a misdescription consumers would believe & one that’s material to the purchasing decision.
the "buy nothing project" has a trademark registration (actually 6) for BUY NOTHING & persuaded facebook to kill some of the 1,000s of community groups all over the country through which people give away stuff they don't need & get local stuff free
sf.gazetteer.co/the-fight-to...
sf.gazetteer.co/the-fight-to...
November 9, 2025 at 3:16 PM
the "buy nothing project" has a trademark registration (actually 6) for BUY NOTHING & persuaded facebook to kill some of the 1,000s of community groups all over the country through which people give away stuff they don't need & get local stuff free
sf.gazetteer.co/the-fight-to...
sf.gazetteer.co/the-fight-to...