This article appeared in The Intellectual Property Strategist, an ALM/Law Journal Newsletters publication that provides a practical source of both business and litigation tactics in the fast-changing area of intellectual property law, including litigating IP rights, patent damages, venue and infringement issues, inter partes review, trademarks on social media – and more.

In March, the Supreme Court heard a blockbuster trademark case with significant implications for trademark law. After argument, reversal seems likely as questioning from the justices suggests that a long-standing precedent is unlikely to survive unscathed. But the Court also indicated concern over the broader implications of this case in the arts, entertainment, and publishing. Significant uncertainty remains regarding how the justices will resolve these tensions. The Court could avoid deciding the First Amendment issue, keep portions of Rogers, abrogate it entirely, or suggest another path. Throughout argument, the justices signaled multiple different — and sometimes competing — potential tests. Here’s what you need to know about Jack Daniel’s v. VIP Products.

The Dispute