trademarks - cyberlaw

Trademark

A word, symbol, or design identifying the source of goods or services.

Trade Dress

The visual appearance of a product or business that identifies its source.

Use in Commerce

Actual commercial use required to establish trademark rights.

Distinctive Mark

A mark capable of identifying a single source.

Non-Registrable Marks

Marks that are generic, deceptive, or functional.

Registering a Trademark

Process that provides nationwide protection and enforcement benefits.

Length of a Trademark

Trademark rights last as long as the mark is used in commerce.

Enforcing a Trademark

Preventing consumer confusion through legal action.

Geographical Trademark Rights

Trademark rights limited to areas where the mark is used.

First Sale Doctrine (Trademark)

Allows resale of genuine trademarked goods.

Multi Time Machine v. Amazon

Case holding clear labeling prevents consumer confusion.

Tiffany v. eBay

Case limiting platform liability without specific knowledge of infringement.

Domain Names

Internet addresses that may implicate trademark rights.

Domain Name as a Trademark

A domain can function as a trademark if it identifies a brand.

Taubman v. Webfeats

Case protecting noncommercial criticism sites.

Cybersquatting

Bad-faith registration of domain names using trademarks.

ACPA

Law prohibiting bad-faith cybersquatting.

First Amendment & Lanham Act

Free speech limits trademark enforcement.

ICANN

Organization managing the global domain name system.

UDRP

International system for resolving domain name disputes.