The Cartoon Animal Trademark War: Can a Company Own a Beaver?
What happens when a late-night host dares a famous brand to take him to court?
In this episode, we break down the legal fight behind the headlines, in plain English:
- What the "Buc-Off" parody challenge was, and how the company responded
- Why trademark owners must defend their marks, and why critics say some go too far
- Where parody ends and trademark infringement begins
- How courts have treated defamation lawsuits against Last Week Tonight, including a federal judge's dismissal in June 2026
- What an anti-SLAPP law is, and why these laws matter for comedians, reporters and small…
The skinny
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