Issue No. 062 · October 7, 2026

TradeSun challenges OpenAI's Astra name, with nine more developments across brands, entertainment, and AI.

TradeSun Sues OpenAI Over the Astra Name

TradeSun sued OpenAI over the Astra name used for GPT-6, alleging that the larger company's launch threatens to overwhelm the identity of its earlier enterprise AI brand. TradeSun says it has used ASTRA since 2021 and registered the mark in 2022. Its October 5 complaint in Northern California federal court alleges overlapping services, including document processing, data extraction, and risk screening. OpenAI disputes the allegations. No infringement ruling has been issued.

Trademark

Laffapalooza Sues Apple and Tubi Over Comedy Streams

Laffapalooza sued Apple, Tubi, distributor Urban Home Entertainment, and producer Marcus Joseph King over allegedly unauthorized streaming of its comedy films, including Jamie Foxx Presents Laffapalooza. The October 2 Georgia federal complaint alleges that King licensed the works to the distributor without authority and that the films then appeared on streaming platforms. Laffapalooza also asks the court to resolve its ownership dispute with King. The claims have not been decided.

Pepperdine Challenges Running Point Trademark Dismissal on Appeal

Pepperdine filed its Ninth Circuit opening brief in the trademark dispute over Netflix's Running Point, whose fictional basketball team uses the Waves name. The university argues that the show's team identity and promotional uses of Waves function as branding, not just elements of an expressive work. The October 2 brief challenges the district court's dismissal of claims against Netflix, Warner Bros., and Kaling International. It is Pepperdine's appellate argument, not a new ruling.

Trademark

Amazon and Crocs Sue Sellers Over Alleged Counterfeit Clogs

Amazon and Crocs filed a joint federal complaint accusing Mayer D. Cohen, Doofter LLC, and Barbados Leather of selling counterfeit Crocs Classic Clogs through Amazon seller accounts. The October 2 Washington complaint cites test purchases and alleged differences in labels and hangtags. Amazon says it blocked the accounts and refunded customers. The lawsuit seeks trademark relief and damages, but the counterfeit allegations have not been adjudicated.

Trademark

Thomas Rhett Centers Recording Ownership in New Label Deal

Thomas Rhett and HYBE America's Blue Highway Records announced Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records, an artist-led label that will serve as the home for his recorded music. Rhett said the partnership gives him the opportunity to own his body of work while retaining support for future recordings. The announcement did not disclose financial terms, the label's ownership structure, or whether the arrangement includes his earlier catalog.

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