"Rat Pack" Generic For Live Shows

TRP Entertainment v. Cunningham, No. 13-16754 (9th Cir. Feb. 16, 2016) [non-precedential].

The 9th Circuit held that the term "The Rat Pack" is generic in the context of live shows about or in tribute to members of the Rat Pack, therefore not identifying any particular producer of a Rat Pack tribute show.  Further, the lower court correctly ordered a disclaimer of the term "The Rat Pack" modifying the plaintiff's trademark registration pursuant to 15 USC 1119.

Ain't that a Kick in the Head...

The Rat Pack (or at least the modern Las Vegas reincarnation of them) was sued by song-writers of "Ain't that a Kick in the Head", "Everybody Loves Somebody", and "Come Fly with Me" for copyright infringement of the compositions. (Alleged infringement occurred during performances of the Rat Pack Show at the Greek Isles Hotel & Casino, and sale of associated CDs.)

What's the commotion, eh? WHAT'S THE COMMOTION?!

[Barton Music Corp. v. TRP Entertainment, LLC et al., 07-cv-01361-BES-PAL, filed Oct. 9, 2007, D.C. Nev.]