Supreme Court to Decide on Jack Daniel's Trademark Battle Over Dog Toy

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether dog toys made by VIP Products, including the "Bad Spaniels" toy shaped like a whiskey bottle, violate trademark law. VIP argues that the toys are obvious parodies and should be protected as free speech under the First Amendment. Jack Daniel's claims that the toys violate trademark law and could confuse customers. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of VIP Products, prompting Jack Daniel's to seek further review from the Supreme Court. Various companies and the Biden administration have filed briefs backing Jack Daniel's, while free speech advocates support VIP.