Companies use words, designs, logos, colors, sounds and smells to help customers find and remember the company’s wares. If you want to buy a cold, caffeinated, carbonated beverage, you may choose a distinctively shaped bottle with cursive writing. If you are looking for tax preparation services that has its own online software, you may choose … Read more
In order to obtain a trademark registration, you have to show your mark actually being used on the goods or services being claimed in the application. It’s called providing a specimen of use. Sometimes, that is really easy. Nike claims their “Swoosh” on shoes, and there it is on the side of the shoe (and … Read more
Oh, no! This company says we are infringing their trademark. They say we need to stop by, wait, that date has already past. They say they are going to sue! Well, %#@$, now what? First, take a deep breath. Then, you can set a course of action (or inaction). Whether it comes in an envelope, … Read more
Last week, we talked generally about cease and desist letters. But, when do you actually send them and how? By whom? The answer was hinted at last week, and it boils down to my two favorite words: It depends. So let’s go into what it depends upon. When do you send one? First, you send … Read more
Cease and desist letters are no fun. They are no fun to send, and they are certainly no fun to receive. They are usually the first shot across the bow when a trademark owner believes that someone is using a mark that is just a little too close for comfort. Instead of jumping straight into … Read more
Whenever I am talking to someone about their trademark, the topic of using a TM or ® comes up. First, which should one use? Second, when should they use it? The first question is easy. If you have a federally registered trademark on the mark being used, then the ® is for you. Everyone else gets to use … Read more
One of my favorite legal concepts is “genericide” or “genericize.” That is when the public takes a perfectly good trademark and makes it value-less to the trademark owner by turning it into an everyday word. I like the drama of “genericide” because it truly is a brand-killer. Often, it is when the marketing has been … Read more
The use of a live person’s name for a trademark can be a problem. In general, the USPTO is circumspect when it comes to allowing one entity to have sole dominion over a person’s name. They want someone to be able put their own name on their business. That means you can name your … Read more
We have previously discussed descriptive marks and some problems they have. But what if you really, really want one? Can you still protect it? It depends on whether or not it can eventually be recognized by customers as something more than a description of your goods and services. If so, then the mark has gained … Read more
The 4-H Youth Development Program is the youth outreach program from the land grant Universities, Cooperative Extension Services, and the US Department of Agriculture. The 4-H Name & Emblem incorporates its focus on Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Growing up in a rural school, I remember sitting on the gym bleachers through meetings that started … Read more