Is trademark federal or state law?
The United States has two types of trademark registration, state and federal. A state trademark is issued by a state office, whereas a federal trademark is issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). … However, registering a trademark federally offers much more legal protection.
Is trademark common law?
A common law trademark is a trademark established solely through use in commerce in a specific geographical area. Business names, logos, and phrases that are regularly used–even though they have never been federally registered–can all be considered common law trademarks.
What is a trademark in business law?
What is a Trademark? A trademark is a unique symbol or word(s) used to represent a business or its products. Once registered, that same symbol or series of words cannot be used by any other organization, forever, as long as it remains in use and proper paperwork and fees are paid.
Is trademark law intellectual property?
Intellectual Property law deals with laws to protect and enforce rights of the creators and owners of inventions, writing, music, designs and other works, known as the “intellectual property.” There are several areas of intellectual property including copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.
Can I sue someone for using my trademark?
A trademark owner who believes its mark is being infringed may file a civil action (i.e., lawsuit) in either state court or federal court for trademark infringement, depending on the circumstances. However, in most cases, trademark owners choose to sue for infringement in federal court.
What are the 3 types of trademarks?
There are four categories of trademarks: (1) fanciful or arbitrary, (2) suggestive, (3) descriptive, and (4) generic.
How long does a common law trademark last?
How long does a trademark last in the US? In the United States, a federal trademark can potentially last forever, but it has to be renewed every ten years. If the mark is still being used between the 5th and the 6th year after it was registered, then the registration can be renewed.
What Cannot be registered as a trademark?
Section 13 and 14 of the Act provides that trademarks containing specific names cannot be registered. Trademarks which have a word that is commonly used of any single chemical element or chemical compound in relation to a chemical substance or preparation cannot be registered.
Can you trademark a name already in use but not trademarked?
If you’re wondering, “can you trademark something that already exists,” the simple answer is “no.” Generally speaking, if somebody has used a trademark before you, you can’t register the trademark for yourself.
Who does a trademark protect?
A trademark or service mark promotes and protects your brand name, while a registered and protected domain name provides you protection against any unauthorized use of your domain name by any person or entity.
What are examples of trademark?
Types of trademarks include:
- Brand names like Apple, McDonald’s, and Dolce & Gabbana.
- Product names like iPod and Big Mac.
- Company logos like the golden arches at McDonald’s and NBC’s peacock logo.
- Slogans like Capital One’s “What’s in your wallet?” and McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it”
What is trademark in simple words?
A trademark is an easily recognizable symbol, phrase, or word that denotes a specific product. It legally differentiates a product or service from all others of its kind and recognizes the source company’s ownership of the brand.