Nike just settled its two-week old trademark battle against “Satan Shoes” seller MSCHF Product Studio Inc. MSCHF is a Brooklyn-based collective of artists and designers which creates artwork in novel and unique ways. For example, one of their projects included selling a virus infected laptop for $1.35 million, selling a dog collar which cursed when Read more about Satan Lost his Shoes in the Latest Trademark Battle[…]
Strong Trademarks Creating a strong brand is an integral aspect of forming a new business. Businesses using historical trademarks help create a strong brand. A historical trademark is a brand which includes a historical term. Generally, the historical term in a historical trademark has some historical significance. A brand name which includes a famous person’s Read more about Historical Trademarks are Good for Strong Branding[…]
Enforcing Trademark Rights during a Pandemic In an unlikely scenario, 3M has filed a lawsuit against a reseller of N95 surgical masks to enforce its trademark rights during a pandemic. The reseller, a medical supply company selling surgical masks to NY City for use during the pandemic, was price-gouging city officials. 3M brought suit against Read more about Trademark Rights during a Pandemic[…]
There are typically only three ways to prove consumer confusion and Consumer Surveys are typically the most helpful.
Loosing Trademark Rights Once a trademark has been established, the rights can continue indefinitely as long as the owner continues to use the mark in commerce. However, there are several common methods of losing a trademark including: Abandonment; Failing to stop others who cause confusion; Genericide Improper licensing of the rights; Improper assignment of the Read more about How to Lose Trademark Rights[…]
Whether your mark is federally registered or not, it is protected against would-be commercial exploiters. Trademark Rights Federal trademark law, specifically Section 1125 of the Lanham Act, provides valid trademark owners with a civil action against anyone who: Uses any word, term, name, symbol or device or any combination thereof, or any false designation of Read more about Registered or Not: Know Your Trademark Rights[…]
What is a Service Mark? A service mark (or servicemark) is just like a trademark but it is used in connection with services. A trademark is typically used in connection with goods. A mark is the general term for both a service and a trademark. Generally, service marks relates to companies who provide services instead of Read more about 101 Series – Service Mark[…]
Before Applying for a trademark, you should conduct an online trademark search. Because trademarks are awarded to the first user of a mark, a trademark search may reveal if there are any other trademarks which have been registered or if any trademark applications have been filed which are the same or similar to your mark. Read more about Online Trademark Search[…]
Simon Tam, lead singer of the Asian-American rock group “The Slants,” chose the derogatory term intentionally. Tam wanted to reclaim the racial slur and turn it into a name to be proud of. However, the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) denied registration, calling the group’s mark “disparaging” under trademark law. On June 19, 2017, the Read more about SCOTUS: ‘The Slants’ Trademark Gets First Amendment Protection[…]
A “trademark” (less commonly called a “service mark”) can be a single word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. Some trademarks are a combination of words and symbols, and many evolve over time. For example, Target’s trademark has become a red bull’s eye, now widely recognized by Read more about The Importance of Trademark Goodwill[…]