News
Supreme Court Takes Shot At Trademark Fight in Jack Daniel’s Case
A bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is displayed next to a Bad Spaniels dog toy in November 2022 in Arlington, Virginia, the United States
A dog chew toy that references the whiskey brand has sparked a dispute over trademarks and creative expression in the US.
The United States Supreme Court has heard arguments in a case pitting the whiskey maker Jack Daniel’s against a dog accessory company, with implications for the balance between trademark protections and creative expression.
On Wednesday, the nine-justice bench weighed the legal implications of the case, which focused on the sale of a dog chew toy that resembles the whiskey company’s iconic black-label bottle.
Jack Daniel’s is appealing a ruling by a lower court that found the colourful “Bad Spaniels” chew toy is protected as “expressive work”. In its design, the chew toy swaps Jack Daniel’s “Old No. 7” branding for “Old No. 2 on Your Tennessee Carpet”, a reference to defecation.
“Could any reasonable person think that Jack Daniel’s had approved this use of the mark?” asked conservative Justice Samuel Alito.
Lawyers for the whiskey company are requesting that the court discard a legal test that allows the makers of parody items to avoid costly lawsuits under the US Constitution’s First Amendment, which protects free speech and expression.
Commonly known as the “Rogers test”, a legal precedent set in 1989 allows artists to use someone else’s trademark when doing so is artistically relevant and would not mislead consumers about the origin of their work.
That precedent was cited in a previous legal victory for the chew toy’s maker, VIP Products. In 2020, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, California, ruled in favour of the company, concluding that the chew toy was an “expressive work” and thus potentially protected under the First Amendment.
To decide that point, the 9th Circuit sent the case to a federal judge in Arizona who applied the “Rogers test” — named for a legal dispute between actress Ginger Rogers and director Federico Fellini, who referenced Rogers’s name in a film he wrote.
Jack Daniel’s is appealing the lower court’s decision, claiming that VIP Products should be held liable for damaging its product by tarnishing its iconic trademark.
Industry groups have thrown their weight behind the whiskey producer, stating that the case represents a key test of the ability of US corporations to control the reputation of their products.
A group of 2,300 authors, on the other hand, have argued that ruling in favour of the powerful liquor company would have a “catastrophic chilling effect” on creative expression.
A ruling is expected by the end of June, and the administration of US President Joe Biden has supported Jack Daniel’s in its appeal.
The Court heard arguments in a previous case involving trademark disputes last October, which involved a painting by the famous artist Andy Warhol, which referenced a photograph of the famous singer and songwriter Prince.
Celebrity photographer Lynn Goldsmith ultimately sued Warhol’s estate for copyright infringement. The Supreme Court has yet to render a decision in that dispute.
East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.
His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
Audio
KenryWhite Releases “Kilometers” & “The King” A Powerful Double Release Celebrating Faith, Purpose, and the Journey to Greatness
Nigerian Afrofusion artist KenryWhite unveils his compelling two-track release, “Kilometers & The King,” a project that explores the realities of life’s journey while affirming identity, faith, and purpose.
Leading the release is “Kilometers,” an uplifting anthem that reflects on the distance between dreams and fulfillment. Through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and vibrant Afrobeats production, KenryWhite encourages listeners to embrace the process, remain resilient, and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.
Complementing the project is “The King,” featuring Wonder J. The record is a bold declaration of confidence, royalty, and divine purpose, blending infectious Afrobeats rhythms with inspiring lyricism. Together, the duo delivers a record that celebrates self-belief, leadership, and the mindset required to overcome every obstacle.
With rich storytelling, memorable melodies, and contemporary African sounds, “Kilometers & The King” showcases KenryWhite’s artistic growth while delivering music that inspires, motivates, and connects with audiences across the globe.
Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Kilometers & The King” invites listeners to embrace the journey, recognize their worth, and walk confidently into their purpose.
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