03 November

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After “Pretty Woman”: Parody, Late-Night Television, And The Recalibration Of Fair Use From Campbell To The Platform Era: A Sequel

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Events surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live! illuminate two complementary ways U.S. law mediates the tension between intellectual property (IP) and free speech. First, copyright’s built-in First Amendment accommodations—most centrally, fair use and the idea–expression boundary—leave breathing room for commentary, criticism, and parody. That accommodation is on full display in Santos v. Kimmel (2025), where the Second Circuit affirmed dismissal of George Santos’s copyright claims because Kimmel’s on-air use of Santos’s Cameo videos was fair use. Second, when state actors pressure private intermediaries to suppress speech, First Amendment “jawboning” doctrine (separate from IP) polices coercion. Read together, these doctrines preserve space for...

03 November

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Comedy, Copyright & Coercion: Jimmy Kimmel As A Case Study In The First Amendment’s Intellectual Property (IP) Architecture

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Events surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live! illuminate two complementary ways U.S. law mediates the tension between intellectual property (IP) and free speech. First, copyright’s built-in First Amendment accommodations - most centrally fair use and the idea–expression boundary - leave breathing room for commentary, criticism, and parody. That accommodation is on full display in Santos v. Kimmel (2025), where the Second Circuit affirmed dismissal of George Santos’ copyright claims because Kimmel’s on-air use of Santos’ Cameo videos was fair use. Second, when state actors pressure private intermediaries to suppress speech, First Amendment “jawboning” doctrine (separate from IP) polices coercion. Read together, these...

29 September

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Intellectual Property In Escape Rooms

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intellectual property lawyer Jersey City, NJ

As a Jersey City, NJ intellectual property lawyer, we’ve worked with a growing number of entrepreneurs and creatives facing legal questions tied to the rise of immersive entertainment. One industry that frequently presents these concerns is escape rooms. At COFFYLAW, we help protect the innovative ideas that make these experiences successful and legally sound. Escape rooms combine storytelling, puzzles, props, and often technology to create a live-action challenge for participants. While the experience may seem ephemeral, the intellectual property behind it is not. From the design of the puzzles to the narrative, music, and branded elements, escape rooms often rely on...

28 September

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Copyright Concerns In Game Mods

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As a Jersey City, NJ copyright lawyer, we frequently advise individuals and developers who are uncertain about where game modding crosses the line into legal trouble. At COFFYLAW, we’ve seen how modding (an increasingly common way for users to enhance or alter video games) can raise serious issues when it comes to ownership and creative rights. Modding allows users to change a game’s graphics, mechanics, or content, often creating something entirely new using existing material. While many developers encourage this type of community involvement, others are more protective of their intellectual property. That’s why it’s important for both mod creators and...

24 September

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Protecting Your Business During A Dispute

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Business Disputes Business disputes can arise in many forms, from disagreements with partners to conflicts with employees or vendors. No matter the cause, protecting the stability and reputation of the company should always be a top priority. Attorneys attest that taking proactive steps during a dispute often makes a significant difference in both the short- and long-term outcome. Prioritizing Clear Documentation One of the strongest defenses during any business dispute is thorough documentation. Contracts, emails, meeting notes, and financial records can all play a key role in clarifying what agreements were made and how obligations were handled. Keeping records organized not only helps...

30 August

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Fan Fiction Copyrights

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At COFFYLAW, we assist clients in New York, New Jersey, and across the country with copyright concerns that extend into unexpected territory including fan fiction. With more than 80 years of combined experience, we understand how creative freedom sometimes walks a fine line with intellectual property law. This is especially true for writers and artists working with fan-based content. This can be a tricky area to work through as it is important to understand what belongs to the original creator, and what belongs to the fan fiction creator as our Jersey City, NJ copyright lawyer can explain. What Makes Fan Fiction...

29 August

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Defending Patents From Trolls

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At COFFYLAW, we help businesses defend their innovations from legal threats that can distract from growth. For startups searching for a reliable Newark, NJ patent lawyer, it's essential to understand how to prepare for one of the most frustrating challenges in patent law: frivolous infringement claims by so-called patent trolls. With more than 80 years of combined experience, our team supports clients not only in New York and New Jersey, but across the country. We have seen many new patent holders targeted by these schemes, which is why we want to share more information: Why Patent Trolls Target Startups Patent trolls, also...

30 July

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FRAND Defense In Antitrust Investigations

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When a company agrees to license its standard-essential patents (SEPs) on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms, that commitment can come into play in more ways than just licensing negotiations. Increasingly, we’re seeing FRAND commitments used as a defense in antitrust investigations. This area is evolving, especially as regulators around the world question whether certain SEP holders are abusing their position. Working with an experienced FRAND lawyer can help businesses identify where those commitments intersect with competition law. Licensing Disputes Standard-setting organizations (SSOs) often require participants to commit to FRAND licensing before their technology is adopted into an industry standard. These agreements...

30 July

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Standard-Essential Patents And Agriculture

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Smart agriculture is transforming how farmers manage crops, livestock, and supply chains. With the growing use of connected devices like GPS-guided tractors, autonomous drones, and real-time soil monitors, interoperability is becoming key. These technologies often rely on industry standards for communication and functionality. As a result, we’re seeing more patent holders assert claims over what they consider standard-essential patents (SEPs). That raises important legal notions for companies developing or using agtech. If you’re involved in the agricultural tech space, having guidance from an experienced SEP lawyer is crucial. What Are SEPs? Standard-essential patents are patents that cover technologies required to comply with...

30 June

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Antitrust Law And Influencer Collaborations

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Influencer marketing is everywhere — from YouTube to TikTok to Instagram. As more businesses rely on content creators to drive sales and shape public opinion, legal questions around competition law are becoming more relevant. In particular, collaborations between influencers — whether coordinated or informal — can raise concerns under antitrust law. As a Newark, NJ antitrust lawyer, we often help clients in creative industries understand how business practices may run into legal boundaries. You may think as an influencer that you are safe, but not even large brands like Apple are safe from antitrust lawsuits. When Influencers Compete In The Same...

After “Pretty Woman”: Parody, Late-Night Television, And The Recalibration Of Fair Use From Campbell To The Platform Era: A Sequel

Comedy, Copyright & Coercion: Jimmy Kimmel As A Case Study In The First Amendment’s Intellectual Property (IP) Architecture

Intellectual Property In Escape Rooms

Copyright Concerns In Game Mods

Protecting Your Business During A Dispute

Fan Fiction Copyrights

Defending Patents From Trolls

FRAND Defense In Antitrust Investigations

Standard-Essential Patents And Agriculture

Antitrust Law And Influencer Collaborations

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