Law of Cards: Stop the Music! Topps and Panini Heavy Metal Battle Ends
As previously reported, on May 21, Topps filed an opposition with the Trademark Office to Panini's Chromium trademark applications. Topps did this because it believed Panini's Chromium trademarks encroached on its Chrome trademarks.
Now, for some reason there has been a competition throughout 2012 between the trading card industry to see whose lawsuits can last the shortest amount of time. Following this trend, on June 27, Topps and Panini requested an extension of time because they were in settlement discussions.
This prompted me to opine the case would be over soon. In fact, I stated, "Heck, I doubt it'll make it to August, 2012."
Now, when I'm wrong, I'm wrong. The case didn't settle until today, August 17 -- 18 days later than predicted.
Ego translation: I'm going to file this one between "horseshoes" and "hand grenades." That's pretty darn close.
Yes, yet another 2012 trading card lawsuit bites the dust. And this one lasted just under three months.
What's this settlement mean? Well, the joint stipulation explains that Panini will withdraw both of its Chromium applications (without prejudice) from the Trademark Office, and Topps will withdraw its oppositions.
Legal translation: The Chromium applications are dead. Topps wins!
To be fair, Panini's withdrawal of its applications is "without prejudice," so it could file them again. But really, why would it? Topps already opposed them once. If Panini files again, it'll be back at the same point.
So congratulations to Topps on flouting your trademark rights, and doing so rather efficiently. However, you don't get the 2012 record for quickest case. That's still held by the Leaf v. Luck lawsuit that lasted just a month and a week.
Better luck next time Topps.
Get it? Luck?
Ego translation:Jeez, that's bad.
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