Trademark, Copyright & Free Speech: The ‘Slants’ at the Supreme Court - Promo

Can a racial slur be trademarked? A fashion design copyrighted? Two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court will tell us much about the bounds of the First Amendment as it relates to intellectual property.

Aired on the Philadelphia CNN-affiliate Monday, February 20, "The American Law Journal" presents "Trademark, Copyright and Free Speech: The Slants Go to the 'Supremes'." Christopher Naughton welcomes Archer Law attorneys John Connell and Ronald Coleman who represented Simon Tam of The Slants and argued by Connell before the Supreme Court. Also joining the panel are intellectual property attorneys Lynn Rzonca of Ballard Spahr and Manny Pokotilow of Caesar Rivise.

In the opening feature report, The American Lawyer magazine executive editor Gina Passarella interviews the founding member of Blind Melon and Ballard Spahr attorney Rogers Stevens and trademark/copyright attorney Kelly Tillery of Pepper Hamilton.
In addition to the Lee v. Tam matter, the program examines copyright protection for the fashion industry now before the high court in Star Athletica v. Varsity Brands, as well as Paul McCartney's lawsuit against Sony/ATV Music Publishing to reclaim copyright interests in his songs. Promo 1708.

"The American Law Journal" is honored with two 2016 Emmy awards for the Mid-Atlantic region. More than 100 programs are available at www.LawJournalTV.com.