Citigroup suing AT&T claiming to own trademark on “THANKYOU”

Banking giant Citigroup is suing technology company AT&T for apparently stealing their trademark of “Thank You” by using the phrases “thanks” and “AT&T THANKS” for its Universal Card campaign.  

According to Citibank’s federal lawsuit which was lodged on Friday June 10, AT&T should be held accountable for “unlawful conduct” amounting to wanton trademark infringement.

              Chaninat and Leeds assist with Thailand trademark law

Stated in Citibank’s lawsuit it says:

For many years, Citigroup has used trademarks consisting of and/or containing the term THANKYOU, including THANKYOU, CITI THANKYOU, CITIBUSINESS THANKYOU. THANKYOU FROM CITI, and THANKYOU YOUR WAY, in connection with a variety of customer loyalty, reward, incentive, and redemption programs (collectively, the “THANKYOU Marks”).

Read the full story here

Commercial social media users will need to start being careful, with new copyright law meaning anyone using social media for commercial purposes MUST always give proper credit to the owners of images or video clips shared, reports Thai PBS.

Failing to comply could mean a jail sentence ranging from three months to two years, and receive a fine from Bt 50,000 to Bt 400,000.

Government spokesman Maj-Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd has explained that the law aims to protect the creators of media works.

Thailand Copyright Attorneys Chaninat and Leeds have decades of experience in Copyright law and disputes over intellectual property

If a commercial entity uses an image or a video and does not cite proper ownership, they may face legal action for copyright violations. This new law will be enforced from August 4th.

Maj-Gen Kaewkamnerd suggests that anyone unsure of whether they are complying should seek permission from the owner of the works.

It is hoped that this change to copyright law will encourage greater digital innovations, with people safe in the knowledge that they will always be credited for their work.

Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd says, “This new law will incentivize internet innovators and pave the way for new digital products and innovations, which will coincide with the government’s digital economy plans.”

Go to ThaiPBS for the full story.

See here for more on Copyright Law in Thailand.