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The word “Navajo” is not famous enough to be considered a trademark. That is the ruling by a federal judge this month in the Navajo Nation’s suit against the clothing retailer Urban Outfitters. Who has the right to make money from names, images, designs and even ideas that originated from Native peoples? Also, when outsiders research Native American customs can they do it without stealing intellectual property? We’ll explore the complex issue of Native trademark infringement and talk about ways tribes can protect their intellectual property.
Guests:
Melody McCoy (Cherokee Nation) – staff attorney for the Native American Rights Fund
Dr. Gavin Clarkson (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) – associate professor of finance and business law at New Mexico State University
Dr. Kalvin White (Diné) – program manager for the office of Diné Science Math and Technology and a member of the Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board
Break Music: Counting Crow Hop (song) Young Spirit (artist) Akameyimoh Baby Boy (album)
Very interesting program on IP on the UNM radio program.
WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) helps protect traditional knowledge and indigenous peoples.
Edwin Thomson Greiner / Registered Patent Attorney
Intellectual Property &
Constitutional Law Practice
Greiner-Thomson Law, LLC
5328 Hwy 518 / Vadito, NM 87579
806-471-9888 Mobile
GTLEGAL@hotmail.com
State Bar of Texas License No: 24053242
USPTO Registration No: 59818
Federal Bar No: 995288