Hotel California, a small but apparently lovely Mexican hotel established in 1950, denies the Eagles’ “baseless” claims it infringes rights in the famous 1976 album and song of the same name.

Aggrieved rights holders' thoughts turn to sharply worded cease and desist notices aimed at stopping infringement or paving the way to court action. Rights holders need to take care before making threats.

The band allege that the hotel owner infringes its rights through advertising which leads US consumers to believe that it is associated with the Eagles and served as inspiration for the song.

Often it seems the internet was created to share images of animal antics. Sometimes the stories behind the images shed light on the copyright issues involved.

In a victory for common sense, Judge William Orrick of the US District Court for the Northern District of California rejected PETA’s claims on grounds that it is a matter for the US congress to determine whether the protection of laws should be extended to animals ...

Brand owners should ensure new brand names are original and capable of indicating the trade origin of the goods or services they provide, or they may find they have little, if any, protection.