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Trademark and Unfair Comp.

This text explores the causes of action related to likelihood of confusion in trademark and unfair competition cases. It covers various types of infringement, including counterfeit, dilution, false advertising, and cybersquatting. The text also analyzes the factors considered in determining likelihood of confusion, such as the strength of the mark, similarity of marks, proximity of products or services, and evidence of actual confusion. Examples of mark similarity and trade dress infringement are provided. Administrative details and schedule adjustments are also mentioned.

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Trademark and Unfair Comp.

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  1. Trademark and Unfair Comp. Boston College Law School February 25, 2009 Likelihood of Confusion

  2. Causes of Action • Trademark Causes of Action • Infringement • Dilution • False Advertising • Cybersquatting

  3. Infringement • Lanham Act §32(1) (15 U.S.C. §1114): • Any person who shall, without the consent of the registrant - • (a) use in commerce any reproduction, counterfeit, copy or colorable imitation of a registered mark in connection with the sale, offering for sale, distribution, or advertising of any goods or services on or in connection with which such use is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive … shall be liable in a civil action by the registrant for the remedies hereinafter provided.

  4. Infringement • Initial Questions • Issue of fact or issue of law? • Who must be confused? • How much confusion must there be? • Confused as to what?

  5. Infringement • Types of confusion • Product (e.g. Mike shoes) • Source (e.g. Nike mittens) • Sponsorship (e.g. Nike on soup can) • Initial interest (e.g. “buy Nike’s here”) • Reverse confusion

  6. Polaroid v. Polarad287 F.2d 492 (2d Cir. 1961) • Polaroid Factors • (1) Strength of plaintiff’s mark • (2) Degree of similarity of marks • (3) Proximity of products or services • (4) Likelihood of plaintiff bridging the gap • (5) Evidence of actual confusion • (6) Defendant’s good faith • (7) Quality of defendant’s products • (8) Sophistication of buyers

  7. Examples of Mark Similarity • Sight • Squirt v. Quirst (soft drinks) • Cartier v. Cattier (cosmetics) • Tornado v. Vornado (appliances) • Sound • Cygon v. Phygon (insecticide) • Huggies v. Dougies (diapers) • Bonamine v. Dramamine (drugs) • Meaning • Cyclone v. Tornado (link fencing) • Pledge v. Promise (furniture polish) • Mountain King v. Alpine Emperor (christmas trees)

  8. E&G Gallo v. Gallo Nero

  9. Banfi v. Kendall-Jackson

  10. Hypothetical Nescher “SLEEKCRAFT” AMF “SLICKCRAFT” • Recreational boats • Used for waterskiing, fishing, etc • Local retail boat stores • $50 million annual sales • Power boats • Used for racing, etc. • Local retail boat stores • $6 million annual sales

  11. Trade Dress Infringement • Lanham Act §43(a) (15 U.S.C. §1125(a)): • (a) (1) Any person who, on or in connection with any goods or services, or any container for goods, uses in commerce any word, term, name, symbol, or device, or any combination thereof, or any false designation of origin … which -- • (A) is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive as to the affiliation, connection, or association of such person orwith another person … shall be liable in a civil action ….

  12. Best Cellars v. Grape Finds

  13. Best Cellars v. Grape Finds

  14. Best Cellars v. Wine Made Simple

  15. Private Labels

  16. Problem

  17. Administrative Details • Next Assignment • VI.A.3 – Types of Confusion • VI.A.4 – Trademark Use • Schedule Adjustments • No class Wednesday, March 11

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