Careers

Experiences

Industries

Offices

Our Firm

Pages

Our People

Updates

Practices

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is a corporate law firm with over 230 attorneys serving clients in nine offices throughout Michigan. Among the largest law firms in Michigan, Warner works in virtually all areas of business law.

Michigan Law Firm - Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Professor Eric Goldman’s&nbsp;Technology &amp; Marketing Law Blog&nbsp;featured an article titled “<a href="https://blog.ericgoldman.org/archives/2021/05/depiction-of-michigan-as-hands-doesnt-preclude-similar-depictions-high-five-v-mfb.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Depiction of Michigan as Hands Doesn’t Preclude Similar Depictions</a>,” that addresses copyright protection over the outline of two hands in the Michigan hand map configuration—a gesture commonly used by Michiganders everywhere. A local t-shirt company claimed copyright and trademark protection in its version of the hand map, and filed an infringement suit against a Warner client in a different industry using its own version of the gesture in advertising meant to rally support for businesses suffering during the pandemic.

contentpilot/introduction

Warner Partners Brian Wassom and Michael Azzi filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the Michigan hand map was such a generic concept that even slight differences between the designs should defeat the copyright and trademark infringement claims as a matter of law. A federal judge in Lansing agreed, and dismissed the case in its entirety. &nbsp; Brian advocates for clients in a wide range of commercial and intellectual property matters and disputes. He counsels in matters of commercial branding, publicity rights, creative expression and privacy. His practice serves businesses in many industries and spans the legal doctrines of copyright, trademark, privacy, right of publicity, advertising, journalism and related fields. Learn more about Brian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wnj.com/people/brian-d-wassom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. &nbsp; Michael focuses his legal practice on complex commercial litigation and represents a wide range of clients across a diverse spectrum of industries – in state and federal courts throughout the country. His particular area of practice concentrates on intellectual property, bankruptcy and creditor rights litigation. Learn more about Michael&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wnj.com/people/r-michael-azzi">here</a>. &nbsp; To read the full article, view the graphic depictions and review the court decision, visit the&nbsp;Technology &amp; Marketing Law Blog&nbsp;article&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.ericgoldman.org/archives/2021/05/depiction-of-michigan-as-hands-doesnt-preclude-similar-depictions-high-five-v-mfb.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. &nbsp;

core/paragraph

core/heading

By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.wnj.com/" target="_blank">wnj.com</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/warner-norcross-judd-llp/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/WNJLLP" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/wnjllp" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

core/block

Partner

R. Michael “Mike” Azzi

Brian D. Wassom

Copyrights

Intellectual Property Enforcement and Litigation

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Trademarks and Brand Management

Warner Copyright & Trademark Litigation Victory Featured on Technology & Marketing Law Blog

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is responsible for the contents of our advertising and this website. Please read our full <a href="/privacy-policy/" aria-label="see privacy policy">privacy policy</a> available on our website. If you have any questions or comments about our website or our Privacy Policy please contact us at <a href="mailto:info@wnj.com">info@wnj.com</a> or 616.752.2000.

Warner Copyright & Trademark Litigation Victory Featured on Technology & Marketing Law Blog

professionals