Karin Segall’s Article about Dilution in Advertising Case Published in WTR

Karin Segall has written an article titled “One-second-long image of ‘luxury’ basketball in TV ad dilutes Louis Vuitton’s marks,” published on May 5, 2012 in WTR Daily, part of World Trademark Review.  The article discusses the use of symbols resembling marks owned by Louis Vuitton as used by Hyundai on a basketball shown briefly in a commercial meant to comment on the issue of luxury.  After Hyundai’s attempts to file an interlocutory appeal of the decision were denied, the case ultimately settled with a stipulated dismissal of the case.  The case serves as a lesson to those who might think they can “get away” with a little bit of copying.