Oprah Winfrey wins ‘Own Your Power’ trademark suit
Media mogul and former talk-show host Oprah Winfrey has won her appeal in a trademark lawsuit over her use of the phrase “Own Your Power” in her namesake magazine and on television, online and through social media. The United States’ Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said the plaintiff, Simone Kelly-Brown, a motivational speaker and business coach, and her company, Own Your Power Communications, did not show that Winfrey’s use of the phrase “Own Your Power” confused people. The court also said the phrase was “not distinctive” and therefore lacked independent trademark protection. Kelly-Brown registered a “design mark” for “Own Your Power” in a stylised light-blue script with the US Patent and Trademark Office in May 2008. – Reuters
Tom Cruise to return in Mission: Impossible 6
Actor Tom Cruise is set to return in Mission: Impossible 6. The announcement follows reports of disputes over the deal-making that halted pre-production this year. Cruise, 54, will seal the deal with production studio Paramount Pictures to reprise the role of Ethan Hunt in the action-thriller, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Pre-production was reportedly halted last month due to an alleged dispute between Cruise and the studio over his salary. Previously, the project, which was planned to begin production in November, was delayed due to script issues. Production is expected to begin in January. Christopher McQuarrie, who co-wrote and directed last year's Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, will direct the new film and assist with the script. Rebecca Ferguson will reprise her role as Ilsa Faust. – The National staff
Will Ferrell drops out of Captain Dad days before filming begins
Just days before production was set to begin on Captain Dad, lead actor Will Ferrell has dropped out of the indie comedy. The film, which is set to co-star Michael Cera and Catherine Keener, was scheduled to begin production on September 26 in and around Cartegena, Colombia, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Ferrell's last-second exit has left director Sebastian Silva and the producers scrambling. Several of the cast and crew are in Colombia awaiting word on the project's future. Captain Dad chronicles a family holiday gone awry when the plans break down. Silva also wrote the screenplay. A representative for the film said producers are working to fill the role and should be moving forward with production soon. – The National staff
Furious 7 helped Paul Walker’s family deal with his death
The brothers of the late actor Paul Walker say filming scenes for last year's Furious 7, which was partly shot in Abu Dhabi, helped them come to terms with his death. The actor died in a car crash in November 2013 at the age of 40. His brothers Caleb and Cody feel they were able to use the experience of shooting the scenes for the film to remember the late star, according to Entertainment Tonight. Caleb said they didn't see Paul much as he would be filming most days, but the movie gave them the opportunity to understand him better. The brothers connected with Vin Diesel and say they learnt more about his professional life by connecting with his co-stars. – The National staff
Lata Mangeshkar to receive award from state of West Bengal
Legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar will be given the Bangabibhushan award by the West Bengal government in recognition of her contribution to Bengali songs, the state’s chief minister Mamata Banerjee said at the weekend. Banerjee said she would personally go to Mumbai and present the award to the singer at her home after the Indian festival of Durga Puja. Banerjee will be accompanied by music-company Saregama chairman Sanjiv Goenka. Previous recipients of the award, which was initiated in 2011, include danseuse Amala Shankar, sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, singer Manna Dey, author Mahasweta Devi, hockey Olympian Leslie Claudius and painter Jogen Chowdhury. – IANS
