DOG TOY COMPLAINT REACHES SUPREME COURT

The Supreme Court heard a dispute

Wednesday between whiskey maker Jack Daniel’s and the manufacturer of a squeaking dog toy that parodies the liquor’s bottle and label. The question for the court has to do with whether the toy maker infringed on Jack Daniel’s trademarks. At the heart of the case is the Lanham Act, the U.S.’s major trademark law. It prohibits using a trademark in a way “likely to cause confusion...as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of ... goods.” Arizona-based VIP Products has been selling its Bad Spaniels toy since 2014. It’s part of its Silly Squeakers line of chew toys that mimic liquor, beer, wine and soda bottles.