Consumer Surveys in Trademark Cases
There are typically only three ways to prove consumer confusion and Consumer Surveys are typically the most helpful.
Tag: Trademark Infringement
Intellectual Property Law Update
In today’s intellectual property law update, the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) announced that their electronic system will again be down for maintenance for the entire weekend. Strike 3 Holdings, a prolific adult movie producer, who filed almost 2,000 copyright infringement lawsuits last year, has seen more of its copyright lawsuits dismissed for Read more about Intellectual Property Law Update[…]
How to Lose Trademark Rights
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[…]
Registered or Not: Know Your 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[…]
The Importance of Trademark Goodwill
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[…]
The Next Transformers Battle
Hasbro, the famous toy maker, has filed a trademark infringement suit against computer maker, Asus over the use of the “Transformer” mark. Asus, the maker of iPad tablet type of computers, unveiled the new “Eee Pad Transformer,” an Android-based tablet that can convert to a notebook via a docking station. Last month, Asus expanded their Read more about The Next Transformers Battle[…]
New Registration for .xxx Domain Names
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (“ICANN”) is registering a new top-level domain xxx, despite numerous objections from various groups. Some believe that the creation of the .xxx top-level domain (TLD) will effectively create an official internet ‘red-light district’ while others hope that this will help get the pornographic websites off of the Read more about New Registration for .xxx Domain Names[…]
Charlie Sheen Trademarks
Charlie Sheen has recently filed 22 Trademark Applications related to many of his catchphrases, including “Duh, Winning” and “Tiger Blood,” according to reports.
Apple sues Amazon for trademark infringement
In a complaint filed in Federal District Court on March 18, 2011, Apple has sued Amazon for trademark infringement and unfair competition. Apple is requesting an order from the Court to prevent Amazon from using the “App Store” trademark in connection with the sale/advertising of software and for unspecified damages. At the same time, Microsoft Read more about Apple sues Amazon for trademark infringement[…]
Trademark Infringement Litigation using Experts
In trademark infringement cases, it is sometimes helpful to have someone testify about likelihood of confusion. Typically, courts allow a witness with personal knowledge to testify about what they saw or heard. However, some witnesses don’t have personal experience about the facts in a case but they may have specialized information which may be helpful Read more about Trademark Infringement Litigation using Experts[…]