Recent Articles

ZIP Codes Are Not Personal Identification Information Says Court of Appeal

Sheppard Mullin
December 29, 2008 20:07

The following is an update to our November 10, 2008 blog post entitled, "Reasonable Minds Differ On Whether A Zip Code Is "Personal Identification Information" Under The Song-Beverly Act." On December 19, 2008, the Fourth Appellate District of the California Court of Appeal in...

When Red is the Color of the Season: Commercial Property Leases and Bankruptcy

Sheppard Mullin
December 15, 2008 18:05

Bankruptcy filings are skyrocketing as more and more companies are going deep into the red.  For retailers or their landlords holding leases in commercial property, there are special considerations to keep in mind.  This post will provide some basic information on the rights of non-debtor...

Strategic Buyers Should Take the Runway in 2009

Sheppard Mullin
November 25, 2008 19:50

New fashion trends might not be the only thing to watch coming down the runway as the fashion industry heads into 2009.  The new economic landscape is posing interesting challenges for both fashion brands and those private equity groups that have historically dominated investment in the...

Reasonable Minds Differ On Whether A Zip Code Is "Personal Identification Information" Under The Song-Beverly Act

Sheppard Mullin
November 10, 2008 17:27

Over twenty major retailers have been sued in class action lawsuits in California for allegedly violating the Song-Beverly Credit Card Act.  The claimed offense involves requesting and recording their customers’ zip codes at the point of sale.  The issue is whether a zip code...

Flower Power: How Poppies Started Popping Up Everywhere and Why Marimekko Was Smart to Register its Unikko Trademark

Sheppard Mullin
November 04, 2008 18:26

The Finnish textile and clothing company Marimekko announced recently that it reached a settlement with Dolce & Gabbana S.r.L. and Dolce & Gabbana Industria S.p.A. over the use of its trademarked Unikko floral design...

FASHION and CONTEMPORARY ART: an interesting liaison

Sheppard Mullin
September 16, 2008 21:25

The liaison between fashion and contemporary art has been continuously growing changing over the years.  Painters, photographers, visual artists, illustrators, performers and creative artists, are commissioned by top luxury brands of fashion and trendy stylists to create new collections, to...

FutureFashion

Sheppard Mullin
August 29, 2008 17:33

The Sheppard Mullin Fashion & Apparel team represented Inform Ventures, producer and niche marketing/advertising agency that works closely with the fashion industry, in connection with the production of the documentary. The documentary called "FutureFashion" showcased top designers...

Court Decision On Meal Periods, Rest Periods And Off-The-Clock Work Is Absolutely Attention-Getting

Sheppard Mullin
July 31, 2008 01:12

Click here to view a PDF copy of the article.

S.D.N.Y Holds eBay Not Liable in Closely Watched Trademark Case

Sheppard Mullin
July 15, 2008 00:59

In a July 14, 2008, decision addressing the issue of who bears the burden in policing counterfeiting on online auction sites, Judge Richard J. Sullivan of the Southern District of New York held that "it is the trademark owner's burden to police its mark and companies like eBay cannot be held...

You're Either In or You're Out, New York Tells Online Retailers

Sheppard Mullin
July 11, 2008 18:30

On June 1st, 2008, New York lawmakers put into effect a law that narrows the online tax exemption and sends a clear message to online retailers: You’re either in or you’re out.  New York wants retailers "in" so that they can collect NY sales tax.  Retailers want to...