What are the essential factors for infringement of trademark?
Trademark infringement most commonly involves the issues such as likelihood of confusion; counterfeit marks and dilution of marks. Likelihood of confusion occurs in situations where consumers are likely to be confused or mislead about marks used by two different parties.
What constitutes infringement of trademark?
In simple words, trademark infringement is the unauthorised usage of a mark that is identical or deceptively similar to a registered trademark. The term deceptively similar here means that when an average consumer looks at the mark, it is likely to confuse him/her of the origin of the goods or services.
What are the 8 elements used to determine infringement of a trademark?
In determining the likelihood of confusion in trademark infringement actions the courts look to these eight factors: the similarity of the conflicting designations; the relatedness or proximity of the two companies’ products or services; strength of the plaintiff’s mark; marketing channels used; the degree of care …
What is an example of a trademark infringement?
One common example of trademark infringement is where clothing manufacturers attach brand labels to generic items, attempting to have them “pass off” as authentic. Trademark infringement violations are very serious and are often involve aspects of deceptive trade practices.
What is the penalty for trademark infringement?
Damages and lost profits that can be as much as $150,000 per infringement. An injunction that will stop the unauthorized use of the copyrighted material. Prison time for the infringer. Recovery of attorney and court fees that must be paid by the defendant.
What are the three types of trademark?
General Types of Trademarks
- Generic Mark.
- Suggestive Mark.
- Descriptive Mark.
- Arbitrary Mark.
- Fanciful Mark.
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 makes a trademark famous?
Famous marks are those that have an immediate connection in the minds of the consumers with a specific product or service and the source of that product or service. Examples of famous trademarks are APPLE, COCA-COLA, MCDONALDS and NIKE.
Can you sue someone for using your 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 most common defenses to trademark infringement?
The most common defenses in trademark infringement, unfair competition and trademark dilution suits include descriptive fair use, nominative fair use, laches, unclean hands and trademark misuse, fraud in obtaining the registration, and application of the First Amendment.
What is the difference between trademark infringement and passing off?
In an action for infringement, the Plaintiff on account of it being a registered trade mark in dispute claims to have an exclusive right to use the mark concerning those goods. However, a passing off by a person of his goods as those of another, in essence, is an action of deceit.