COPYRIGHT + TRADEMARK

LAWSUIT DROPPED AGAINST VIRAL PARODY ACCOUNT

Epoch, maker of Sylvanian Families/Calico Critters, has ended its copyright and trademark lawsuit against Irish creator, whose viral toy melodramas Epoch, maker of Sylvanian Families/Calico Critters, has ended its copyright and trademark lawsuit against Irish creator @SylvanianDrama, whose viral toy melodramas have drawn millions of views and high-profile brand collabs. The creator asserted fair use in defense, arguing that the customized dolls and original storylines transformed the source material.

The dispute spotlighted the legal gray zone where fan-made, commercially active content intersects with protected IP, and likely concluded in a private settlement, as the account announced it will rebrand by 8/19. This is a good reminder that even parody-style fan content can face IP challenges, but creators who plan with licensing in mind can turn legal risk into opportunity.

MORE ANALYSIS

NIGHTLIF

MAJOR NYC NIGHTCLUB FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY

New York’s Avant Gardner has filed for Chapter 11 protection in Delaware, listing $155M in debt. CEO Gary Richards points to cost overruns, delays, and permitting issues tied to Brooklyn Mirage renovations, plus mounting pressure from financiers and contractors. The flagship outdoor space, slated to reopen May 1, remains closed, and the company is weighing a sale. Upcoming shows with Deadmau5, Themba, and Black Coffee are now uncertain.

READ MORE

CULTURAL HERITAGE

MEXICO TAKES ON ADIDAS

Mexican authorities have accused Adidas of cultural appropriation over its Oaxaca Slip-On (Willy Chavarría), citing similarities to Zapotec huarache sandals from Villa Hidalgo Yalálag. Oaxaca officials are demanding the model’s withdrawal, public apology, and compensation to affected artisans. President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced legal reforms to strengthen protection of Indigenous intellectual property rights. Mexico previously pursued claims against Zara and Anthropologie for infringing on indigenous IP and cultural appropriation.

MORE DETAILS

WORKSHOP

HOW TO IDENTIFY + PROTECT YOUR IP

Free webinar hosted by the City of Chicago on spotting and safeguarding trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. Led by Michele Katz of Advítam IP, LLC, it covers risk avoidance, brand value building, and infringement response.

AUG 15 | REGISTER HERE

GRANT

EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR ARTISTS

Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events is offering one-time emergency grants of $10-25K to nonprofit arts organizations impacted by recent federal funding cuts. Priority goes to groups previously supported by federal agencies with a focus on those serving under-resourced communities. Awards will be announced in October and distributed by December.

DEADLINE AUG 20 | APPLY

OPPORTUNITY

R/GA GLOBAL HIRING MULTIPLE CREATIVE + STRATEGY ROLES

Fresh off its move to independence and its acquisition of AI design studio Addition, creative agency R/GA is hiring across departments and markets. Open positions cover brand design, content production, experience and visual design, strategy, client engagement, marketing, program management, finance, and talent. Roles are open in New York, London, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, and other hubs, with both full-time and flexible /ASSOCIATES tracks available.

ROLLING DEADLINES | VIEW ROLES

*reach out if considering submission - we have gallery contacts with ongoing exhibitions which qualify*

ACADEMIA

GENDER, PEACE + SECURITY IN NAIROBI

The University of Oslo’s ResilienceBuilding project and the Rift Valley Institute are calling for papers on gender, peace, and security for a 3-day workshop in Nairobi, 1-3 Dec 2025. Topics range from local peace processes and women’s mobilization to climate-conflict dynamics and the impact of resilience interventions. Accommodation covered; limited travel funds available, with priority for Global South participants.

DEADLINE AUG 13 | APPLY

RESIDENCY

KALA YATRA IN NEPAL SEEKS INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTISTS

Two-week artist residency in the Kathmandu Valley exploring Himalayan cultural heritage, performance, and traditional crafts. Shared housing, workshops, and exhibition opportunities provided.

DEADLINE AUG 31 | APPLY

GRANT

VITAL IMPACTS ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY GRANT

Vital Impacts is offering one $20,000 grant and six $5,000 grants to documentary photographers whose work centers on local, solutions-oriented environmental or wildlife narratives. Grants include a 12-month mentorship series. International applicants welcome.

DEADLINE SEPT 15 | APPLY

RESIDENCY

SEA & URBANISM IN KAVALA, GREECE

Three-week residency in the Mediterranean port city of Kavala for visual artists, musicians, writers, performers, architects, and other creatives. Includes private or shared accommodation, 24/7 workspace access and a closing group exhibition. Sessions run March - December 2026.

ROLLING DEADLINE | APPLY NOW