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June 22, 2026

Marked by ESCA Legal - June 22, 2026

Fresh IP updates involving Dior, Betty Boop, Mary Dowling whiskey, counterfeit goods, and voice and likeness rights.

Marked. - Issue 019

Fresh IP updates involving Dior, Betty Boop, Mary Dowling whiskey, counterfeit goods, and voice and likeness rights. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Issue No. 019
June 22, 2026
New York
ESCA Legal
 
 
Marked.
The IP Briefing · by ESCA Legal
 

TOP STORY: Dior Files New Online Counterfeit Trademark Case

Christian Dior Couture filed a Northern District of Illinois trademark case against online marketplace defendants identified on a sealed Schedule A, continuing the luxury sector's use of fast-moving federal actions against alleged counterfeit sales channels.
§The June 18 complaint names Christian Dior Couture as plaintiff and targets online marketplace defendants identified in a sealed schedule.
§The docket lists Lanham Act trademark infringement as the cause of action and shows Dior moved to file certain materials under seal.
§The case sits in the Northern District of Illinois, a common venue for Schedule A online counterfeiting actions.
§The early docket includes a trademark notice, civil cover sheet, affiliate notice, and multiple attorney appearances for Dior.
Continue reading →
§ ESCA Takeaway
This issue tracks how luxury houses, legacy characters, spirits brands, and creators are pressing trademark and likeness rights across online marketplaces and public-facing commerce.
 
More IP Stories
 
§ Trademark · Filed

Fleischer Studios Brings Betty Boop Trademark Case

Fleischer Studios filed a Northern District of Illinois trademark complaint against online marketplace defendants identified on a sealed Schedule A, with the docket reflecting a June 18 filing and a jury demand.
§Fleischer Studios owns and licenses rights associated with classic animation properties, including Betty Boop.
§The complaint was filed under 15 U.S.C. Section 44 and names online marketplace defendants through a sealed schedule.
§The docket shows a motion to file certain documents under seal and an attached exhibit to the complaint.
§The case was assigned to Judge Elaine E. Bucklo in the Northern District of Illinois.
Why it matters
Character brands depend on licensing control long after their first cultural moment. A fresh marketplace enforcement case shows how legacy entertainment assets can become modern ecommerce trademark problems when merchandise moves through anonymous or fast-changing storefronts.
Continue reading →
 
§ Trademark · Filed

Mary Dowling Whiskey Sues Over Bourbon Brand Name

Mary Dowling Whiskey Company filed an Eastern District of Texas trademark complaint against Dowling Distilling Corp. over use of Dowling branding in the spirits market.
§The June 18 docket names Mary Dowling Whiskey Company as plaintiff and Dowling Distilling Corp. as defendant.
§The complaint includes advertising screenshots for Mary Dowling and screenshots tied to Dowling Distilling as exhibits.
§A notice of a patent or trademark form was filed and sent to the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
§The case was assigned to Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle in the Eastern District of Texas.
Why it matters
Spirits brands often trade on founder names, heritage stories, and old-family identifiers. When overlapping surnames sit on competing bottles, the dispute becomes a reminder that brand history still has to function as a source signal in the modern marketplace.
Continue reading →
QUICK HITS
§ Right of PublicityThe Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to advance the NO FAKES Act, a bill that would create a federal right tied to a person's voice and likeness for unauthorized digital replicas. [source]
 
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