Trademark Law & IP Litigation

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Businesses, small and large, are taking advantage of the global reach and multimedia capabilities of the Internet and World Wide Web, to market, brand, and sell their products and services. An unfortunate consequence of the explosion of business and marketing on the Internet is that trademark and trade name disputes have become more common. Businesses and individuals online may face trademark claims involving trademark infringement and dilution, misappropriation, false advertising, counterfeiting, right of publicity, unfair competition, domain name infringement and other Internet disputes.

Trademarks and Service Marks

A trademark is a device such as a word, phrase, symbol, logo, or any combination, used or intended to be used, in commerce, by a manufacturer or seller to identify or distinguish their goods from goods made or sold by another. A service mark is similar to a trademark except that is used to identify and distinguish services instead of goods. The word trademark is commonly used to refer to either trademarks or service marks. Trademarks and service marks are analogous to brand names and/or logos.

Trademark law is primarily concerned with the prevention of confusion as to the origin or sponsorship of goods or services. A trademark owner may prevent others from using the same or similar trademarks in a manner that creates a likelihood of confusion, mistake or deception. Additionally, owners of “famous” trademarks may also protect their trademarks against certain activities by others that dilute or tarnish the distinctiveness of the trademark.

It is important to note that a trademark does not confer a monopoly on use of the mark. For example, a vendor may use marks to sell genuinely marked goods. Also, multiple parties may use the same mark in cases where the goods of the parties are not so similar as to cause confusion among consumers. Additionally, Moreover, in “common law” trademark cases (where the trademark is not a federally registered U.S. trademark) protections may be limited geographically. Moreover, certain activities may be permitted under fair use defense.

Collective Marks Certification Marks 

Two other types of “marks” are “collective marks” and “certification marks”. A collective mark is a trademark or service mark used, used or intended to be used, in commerce, by the members of a cooperative, an association, or other collective group or organization.

A certification mark is a device such as a word, phrase, symbol, logo, or any combination, used or intended to be used, in commerce, to certify geographic origin, material, mode of manufacture, or quality of someone's goods or services, or that the work or labor on the goods or services was performed by members of a union or other organization. Collective marks are owned by the entity certifying the product or service. The certifying body licenses use of the mark to qualified businesses or entities.

What Sort of Mark Will Qualify for Trademark Protection and/or Registration?

A mark will qualify for trademark registration and protection only if it is distinctive. A distinctive mark is one that is capable of distinguishing goods and services on which it is affixed or associated, from the goods and services of others. A mark that is not distinctive is one that merely describes the name, type, or quality of the product or service.

The more distinctive a mark is, the more likely that it will qualify for trademark registration and the greater protection it will receive. A distinctive mark is often referred to as a strong mark.

Trademarks can be generally classified into one of five categories of distinctiveness. In order from most distinctive to least distinctive (strongest):

  • fanciful
  • arbitrary
  • suggestive
  • descriptive
  • generic

A fanciful mark is a mark that is invented and has no meaning other than to act as a mark or brand to identify and distinguish the goods or service on which it is used. An example of a fanciful mark is the word “EXXON” used to identify petroleum products and services. Fanciful marks receive the strongest protection.

An arbitrary mark is a mark that has a common meaning but is used in an arbitrary or unfamiliar way that bears no relation to the goods or services on which the mark is used. An example of an arbitrary mark is “Apple” used to identify and distinguish computer goods. Arbitrary marks typically receive strong protection.

A suggestive mark is a mark that is suggestive of the quality, characteristics, or use of the product or service on which the mark is used, but which falls short of being merely descriptive. “Suggestive” marks typically receive weak protection.

The difference between a “suggestive” mark, which qualifies for protection, and a “descriptive” mark, which may not qualify for protection, is sometimes unclear. Generally, a term is “suggestive” if it requires imagination, thought, and perception to reach a conclusion as to the nature of the goods or services. In contrast, a term is “descriptive” if it allows one to reach an immediate conclusion as to the nature of the goods or services without much thought or imagination.

An example of a suggestive mark is the word “Microsoft”, used to identify software products, which suggests microcomputers and software

A descriptive mark is a device that describes the goods and services on which it is used. A descriptive mark does not obtain any trademark protection unless it acquires, through usage, a “secondary meaning” (i.e. a meaning apart from its common description). A term or device acquires “secondary meaning” if the term or device signifies to the public that the product or service comes from a single producer or source.

Secondary meaning is usually acquired through long-term use, and effective promotion or advertising. Courts usually look at several factors in determining whether a descriptive mark has acquired secondary meaning, including the length and manner of use, the amount and manner of advertising, volumes of sales, and consumer testimonies and surveys demonstrating that the public has come to recognize the descriptive mark as a brand.

An example of a merely descriptive, unprotectable term is “Fast Internet” for high-speed internet access service.

An example of a descriptive term that has acquired a secondary meaning and trademark protection is “International Business Machines” to describe computer and business machine products and services.

Descriptive marks incorporating a surname or a geographic designation, such as “Smith's Cars” or “Italian Shoes” are also treated as merely descriptive and receive no trademark protection unless they have acquired a “secondary meaning”. Two famous marks that are primarily surnames but which have become famous trademarks are “MacDonald's” for restaurant services and “Ford” for automobiles.

A generic term is the common descriptive name for a product or service. Unlike descriptive marks, generic terms can never acquire “secondary meaning” and can never receive trademark protection. The reason for not permitting trademark protection for generic terms is that granting protection would effectively grant the trademark owner a monopoly, by barring competitors from using the common (generic) name needed to describe their products or services. For example, the term “Car” alone could never be used as a mark used for sales of automobiles.

A term that was once fanciful or arbitrary may become generic and lose trademark protection if the public commonly misuses the mark to refer to a product or service. Examples of former trademarks that became generic terms and lost their trademark protection are Aspirin, Cellophane, and Shredded Wheat. Current trademarks that are threatened with becoming generic are Kleenex and Xerox.

Federal Registration Requirements

In addition to the distinctive requirements cited above, federal law prohibits the registration of marks that are similar to preexisting marks so as to create a likelihood of confusion, mistake or deception.

Federal law also prohibits the registration of the following types of marks:

  1. Marks that consist or are comprised of scandalous or immoral matter.
  2. Marks that consist or comprise matter that may disparage, disrepute, or falsely suggest a connection with persons (living or dead) or institutions, beliefs, or national symbols.
  3. Marks that consist or comprise deceptive matter.
  4. Marks that consist or comprise of any flag, coat of arms, or insignia of the United States, any U.S. state or municipality, or any foreign nation.
  5. Marks that consist or comprise a name, portrait, or signature of a living individual unless the person grants written consent.
  6. Marks that consist or comprise the name, signature, or portrait of a deceased President of the United States during the life of the deceased President's widow, unless the widow grants written consent

What sorts of devices can serve as a trademark?

A trademark can consist of almost any word, name, symbol, or device, or combination that meets the distinctive requirement described above and that is not otherwise proscribed by statute. Word marks may be any name, slogan, acronym, or combination of letters or words. Symbols may include logos, pictures, or drawings. Devices may include a colors, smells, sound, and in certain instances a product's packaging or design. Below are specific examples of trademarks.

  • Word marks – Apple, Microsoft, IBM, Sony, Yahoo!
  • Slogans- “Your potential, our passion” (Microsoft)
  • Logos- MacDonald's “Golden Arches” logo
  • Pictures or drawings – Walt Disney's “Mickey Mouse”
  • Colors – Dow Corning's pink-colored insulation materials
  • Sounds - NBC's three toned chime
  • How Do I Get Trademark Protection? Do I Need to Register My Trademark?

Common Law Trademark protection

A manufacturer or seller can establish common law (non-statutory) trademark rights and protections for a distinctive mark through actual use of the mark in commerce. Mere advertisement or a statement of intent to use the mark will not establish common law trademark protection.

Common law trademark rights are limited in several aspects. First, common law trademark rights are limited to the geographic area in which they are used. For example, a common law trademark owner who uses the mark exclusively in New York cannot claim protection for marks outside of New York, meaning that another manufacturer or seller could use the exact same mark outside of New York.

Federal Trademark Resigtration & Protection

A manufacturer or seller may also obtain trademark protection for a mark by registering the mark with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). Federal registration provides several advantages over common law trademark protection.

Unlike common law trademark protection, federal registration provides trademark protection throughout the United States, regardless of where the mark is actually used geographically and allows the trademark owner to bring suit in a federal court.

Federal registration also provides the registrant with additional remedies such as blocking importation of infringing goods. In certain cases, federal registration allows the registrant to recover additional damages including lost profits, statutory damages, and attorney's fees.

Federal registration also provides evidence of trademark ownership and may also help prevent or deter infringement. Searching for registered and pending federal trademarks is easy – one can perform a free federal trademark search online at the USPTO website in a matter of minutes. The facility of federal trademark searches reduces the likelihood that another party interested in developing a trademark will unknowingly adopt the same or confusingly similar mark. In contrast, common law trademarks, which do not require registration and which are limited to specific geographies, are much harder to discover. Also, federally registered trademarks may bear the United States trademark registration symbol “® “ which provides notice and may deter potential infringers.

Also, a mark that has been federally registered for five years acquires “incontestable” status, meaning that it prevents other parties from attacking the registrant's right to use and to exclude others from using the mark on the basis that the mark is descriptive or there is prior use mark by another.

Although federal registration is not valid outside the United States, it may also be used as a basis for obtaining trademark registration in foreign countries.

State Trademark Registration & Protection

In addition to federal trademark registration, most states also offer trademark mark registration and protection. State trademark registrations and protections are effective only in their respective states. The secretary of state office usually administers state trademarks. Many states operate websites providing specific information on state trademarks as well as forms and trademark search service. California, which is the busiest state trademark and service mark registration office, maintains a online trademark business portal where you can download state trademark registration forms and perform business name searches.

What do the ®, TM, SM Symbols Mean?

The ® symbol which accompanies a mark denotes that the mark is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Marks with pending federal trademark applications may not use this mark - only a mark that has actually been federally registered may use this mark.

The TM (trademark) symbol and SM (service mark) symbols are not governed by federal law and may be used on marks that have not been registered with the USPTO. However, state or local laws may govern the TM and SM symbols, so any party desiring to use these symbols should check their state and local law before using the symbols. The TM and SM symbols signify that a party claims rights in the mark.

How do I conduct a trademark search?

The first advisable step that one should take prior to filing an application for a federal trademark is conducting a trademark search. Although not requires, conducting a trademark search is very important because it reduces the applicant's likelihood of choosing or registering a mark that is the same or confusing similar to a mark already in use by another party. A party with prior rights in the same or confusingly similar mark may be able to stop the registrant from using the mark.

Searches should be as broad as possible and include searches for common law protected marks, state trademark registrations, and federal trademark registrations. Searches should not be limited to only federal registrations since common law marks and state marks may bar registration, or even give rise to cancellation, opposition or infringement action. Additionally, searches should be made for abandoned, expired or pending registrations, since such marks, although not registered, may still be in use and carry common law trademark protections.

The USPTO maintains a database of registered, pending, abandoned, and expired federal trademarks. Federal trademark searches may be conducted online at http://www.uspto.gov, or by using CD Rom systems at Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries located in each state. Both of these services are free. Many states maintain online databases or offer services to facilitate state trademark searches.

Searching for common law marks is more difficult. Since common law marks do not depend on registration but rather on actual use, there is no single complete database or depository of common law marks that one can search. Rather one must rely on a variety of resources to search for common law marks. A good place to start searching are business directories and/or databases, phonebooks and phone databases, and periodicals in the areas in which you plan to use the mark. Also, some state websites offer business name search services. You should also check to see if your mark is being used on the Internet. You should check Internet domain name registries services to check to see if someone has already registered the same or a similar Internet domain name. There are also several helpful online business search services.

Another option is to hire a professional trademark search service that will search for common law marks through a variety of means and resources. As you would expect, some professional search services are more thorough than others – however, no professional search service can guarantee a complete and perfect search.

How do I apply for a federal trademark?

A person seeking federal trademark protection must register the mark with the United States Patent & Trademark Office on either the Principal Register or Supplemental Register.

The Supplemental Register is for marks that are primarily descriptive in nature and which have not acquired secondary meaning. The advantage of having a mark in the Supplemental Register is that it allows the mark's owner to use the ®. Also, a descriptive mark that has been on the Supplemental Register for five years can be used to prove that the mark has acquired secondary meaning. It may also help registration in foreign countries.

Registration on the Principal Register offers all the benefits of federal trademark protection. There are three types of applications for the Principal Register.

The first type of application is a "use" application for applicants who are already using the mark in commerce.

The second is an "intent to use" application for applicants who have a bona fide intent to use the mark in commerce. If an applicant files an intent to use application, then the applicant must show proof of use before the mark is registered. If the applicant uses the mark prior to the publication of the mark, then an Amendment Allege Use must be filed with the USPTO. The applicant must also provide a specimen or sample of how the mark is being used in commerce (e.g. label, brochure, etc). If the USPTO approves the amendment and specimen then the application will be treated as though the mark was used in commerce when the application was filed.

If the trademark is published prior to actual use and there is no opposition to the mark then the USPTO will issue a Notice of Allowance. The applicant then has six months from the date of the Notice to use the mark in commerce and file a Statement of Use with the USPTO. The applicant must also provide a specimen or sample of how the mark is being used in commerce. After the USPTO approves the Statement of Use and specimen the mark will be registered.

The Application 

An application can be downloaded or printed from the USPTO's website at www.uspto.gov/teas/index.html. The USPTO also now allows trademarks to be filed online through their website.

An applicant must provide their name, citizenship (if the applicant is an individual), state of incorporation (if the applicant is a corporation), address, the exact form of the mark, a description of the goods or service which the mark will be used on, and the international classification of the goods or service. The international classification system divides all goods and services into 42 categories - the applicant must choose the category(s) that apply. Additionally, the applicant must provide a drawing of the mark and three actual specimens on how the mark is being used (an intent to use application does not require specimens). Finally, the applicant must pay a fee.

After an application has been filed the trademark examiner will review the application and mark and determine whether or not the mark should be registered. If the examiner determines there is a problem, he or she will notify the applicant or appointed attorney. The applicant or attorney has six months to respond, otherwise, the application will be considered abandoned.

If the mark is approved by the examiner, the examiner will publish the mark in the USPTO's weekly Official Gazette. If no party files an "opposition" action against the mark within 30 days of the publication of the mark, then the USPTO will register the mark.

A federal trademark owner must file an affidavit between the fifth and sixth year of registration certifying that the mark is being used. Moreover, a federally registered trademark must be renewed every ten years.

Opposition and cancellations

Any party that opposes the registration of a mark may do so within 30 days of the marks publication in the Official Gazette, by filing an opposition proceeding. Opposition proceedings are held before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. A cancellation proceeding is similar to an opposition proceeding except that cancellation proceedings occur after a mark has been registered.

What is trademark infringement?

A trademark owner may prevent others from using the same or similar mark in a manner that creates a likelihood of confusion, mistake, or deception as to the source or sponsorship of the goods or services. Typically, a trademark owner can seek an injunction forcing the defendant to stop using the mark.

The plaintiff in an infringement case has the burden of proving that:

  1. He/she has a protectable trademark and
  2. That the defendant is using the same of a confusingly similar mark in a way that creates a likelihood of confusion, mistake or deception with consumers as to source or sponsorship.

Confusion exists when consumers believe that the defendants' goods or services are the same as the plaintiff's goods, or that the defendant is somehow sponsored, associated or affiliated with the plaintiff.

The following factors have been used by the courts to help determine whether a “likelihood of confusion exists”.

  • The degree of similarity between the two marks (including visual and phonetic similarities and similarities in meaning). Simply put, marks that look the same or sound the same are more likely to create confusion.
  • The strength of the owner's mark (i.e. how distinctive the mark is). Fanciful and arbitrary marks receive greater protection than suggestive or descriptive marks.
  • The similarity of the goods and services. If both marks are used to sell similar products or services, the greater the likelihood of confusion.
  • Whether the goods and services marketed and sold in the same channels of commerce, are sold in close physical proximity to one another, and are advertised in the same media. If goods are sold in the same stores, on the same store shelves, or purchased by the same class of consumers, the greater the likelihood of confusion.
  • Evidence of actual confusion of consumers (such as testimonials, consumer surveys, etc.)
  • The defendant's intent in selecting the mark. A defendant who uses the mark with an intent to confuse, damage a competitor, or profit from the goodwill established by the mark, suggests a greater likelihood of confusion.
  • Consumer sophistication or the degree of care likely to be used by consumers. If the class of consumers shopping for the product or service in question are more discerning about their purchases, then their there is less a likelihood of confusion.
  • The likelihood of expansion of the product line. There is less likelihood of confusion if the mark encompasses a large line of products. Various courts will balance various factors listed above to make a determination of whether a defendant's mark is likely to create confusion among consumers.

What is trademark dilution?

Trademark dilution provides additional protection to famous marks. The owner of a famous mark can sue a party for dilution if their use of the mark results in the dilution of the "distinctive quality" of the mark. There are two basic types of dilution. The first is "tarnishment", where the defendant uses the mark in an unwholesome manner or in relation to inferior goods or services. The second is "blurring", where the defendant's use of the mark causes the connection between the mark and the goods or services of the trademark owner to be weakened in the minds of consumers.

In a dilution action, the plaintiff/trademark owner only need to show that the mark is famous. There is no need to show that there is confusion or even that the defendant is competing against the trademark owner. The courts look at several factors to determine whether a mark is "famous" including: how long and how extensively the mark has been used and advertised, the geographic area in which the mark was used, how distinctive the mark is, the degree to which consumers recognize the mark, and whether the mark has been federally registered.

In dilution actions, the trademark owner can typically stop the defendant from using the mark. Additionally, the trademark owner may be entitled to monetary and statutory damages, if he or she can show that defendant willfully sought to "trade on the owner's reputation or to cause dilution of the mark."

Some types of use are considered fair use and are not subject to dilution claims. For example, use of the mark for comparative advertising or for news or commentary may be considered fair use.

Trademark and Unfair Competition Issues on the Internet

The rapid growth of the Internet has resulted in a multitude of trademark infringement litigation, most involving domain name disputes.

Domains

Domain names can be simply described as website addresses. People find and connect to websites and send emails using domain names. For example, the domain name/Internet address for the website of internet service provider America Online is "AOL.com". If a person wanted to visit the America Online website, they would type "www.aol.com" in their Internet web browser.

There are several classes of domain names, each with its own unique suffix. For example, the most popular types of domains are called top-level domains - these domains include the suffix ".com" (for commercial), ".net" (for Internet), and ".org" (for organization). Other domains classes include ".info" (for information), ".biz." (for business) and ."us" (for the United States), ".edu" (for education), and ".gov" (for government). It is possible to register the same name on more than one domain class. However, some domains have specific registration requirements. For example, ".gov" domain names are reserved for government entities and ".edu" are reserved for educational institutions.

An individual, business, or website host acquires a domain name by registering and paying a small fee to a domain registry. There are numerous domain registries. The Internet Corporation for the Assignment of Names and Numbers (ICANN) accredits and oversees these registries.

Domain Name Disputes and Cybersquatting

Businesses and marketers agree that a domain name that matches your company's name or brand is extremely important in establishing a strong online presence. Consumers expect businesses to own and use domain names incorporating their company's name and brand. Domain names consisting of a famous brand or mark carry the goodwill or reputation associated with that brand or mark.

Domain disputes typically arise when a person acquires or uses a domain name that consists of or incorporates the identical or confusingly similar trademark of another.

Cybersquatting is the practice of acquiring a domain name consisting of or incorporating the trademark of another for the purpose of selling that domain to the trademark owner or person who may have a rightful property interest in the name. Businesses and individuals sometimes acquire countless domains incorporating famous marks and brands for the purpose of selling the domain back to the "rightful owner" for large sums of money.

In some cases, cybersquatter may register and use a domain name incorporating a competitor's identical or confusingly similar tradename or brand for the purpose of unfairly competing against them. Moreover, by registering and using a domain that incorporates the name, brand, or mark of a competitor, the wrongful registrant/user may be able to "pass off" his own goods and services as those of his competitor and take advantage of the goodwill associated with the name, brand, or mark. Consumers may assume that the wrongful registrant's website is somehow affiliated with or sponsored by the mark's rightful owner. Additionally, many consumers may be diverted to the wrongful registrant's website decreasing the traffic and effectiveness of the mark owner's own website and online business. In some cases a cybersquatter may simply "sit" on the name, depriving the trademark's owner of use of the domain. Often a cybersquatter will simply "sit" on a name for the purpose of pressuring the trademark owner to pay the cybersquatter money to relinquish the domain name to the trademark holder.

Examples of cybersquatting and online trademark infringement would be registration and/or use of identical or confusingly similar marks across one or more types of domains (e.g. .com, .net, .biz, .org). A confusingly similar mark can include a variation of the mark or even a misspelling of the mark. For example, in one case, "Yahooo.com", "Yahhoo.com", "Atlantayahoo.com", "Bostonyahoo.com" and "Youhoo.com" were found to infringe on Yahoo! Inc's mark.

In some cases, trademark infringement may be less obvious. Many web pages on the World Wide Web contain hidden words and phrases in the web page's underlying code called "meta tags". Many Internet users use search engines to look for websites concerning a particular topic, product, or service. When an Internet user conducts a search on certain search engines, the search engine looks for matches between the search term entered and the meta tags of millions of web pages on the Internet. If there is a match, the website will be listed in the search results, allowing the search engine user to click on the listing to visit the website. Some individuals insert meta tags consisting of or incorporating the marks of others for the purpose of diverting customers using search engines to their own websites.

It is extremely important for trademark owners to actively police and enforce their trademarks online, as continued failure to stop infringing activities could result in the loss of their rights in the trademark.

Litigation & the Cybersquatting Protection Act

Utilizing another person, company, or organization's mark, name, or brand online in a manner that is likely to create confusion, mistake or deception as to source or sponsorship of the website or goods or services offered on the website, may give rise to a lawsuit for trademark infringement or unfair competition. Additionally, if the mark is famous, the trademark owner may have a claim for trademark dilution, where a likelihood of confusion need not be shown.

In addition to trademark and unfair competition claims, a person may be able to bring a legal claim under the Anti-Cybersquatting Protection Act. The act allows the owner of a mark to sue a person that registers, traffics, or uses a domain name that is identical or confusingly similar to the mark, with the bad faith intent to profit from that mark.

It is important to note that there are many cases where the use of another's mark is permissible. For example, an online vendor selling a genuine brand name product or service on their website may use that brand name to describe those bona fide products or services, so long as the website does not create confusion or deception as to the ownership or sponsorship of the website. Also, there are instances where the use of another person's trademark online may constitute fair use and not be actionable. For example, a website that incorporates a famous mark for purposes of legitimate, non-commercial use, such as for news or criticism, may be permissible so long as it does not create consumer confusion or deception.

Domain Dispute Arbitration

A quicker and less costly alternative to litigation is to file a domain dispute arbitration claim with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The Internet Corporation for the Assignment of Names and Numbers (ICANN) has created a Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) that is used by all accredited domain name registrars. Under the UDRP policy, the owner of a trademark initiates a proceeding to challenge the existing domain name. The owner of the mark must show that:

  1. He or she owns the mark (whether registered or unregistered),
  2. The domain name being challenged is the same or confusingly similar to the owner's mark,
  3. The domain registrant has no legitimate interest or right in the domain name and
  4. The domain was registered and used in bad faith.

The registrant/defendant may prove a legitimate interest in the mark may be showing that the mark is being or will be used for the bona fide offering of goods or services. The registrant/defendant may also show a legitimate interest in the mark by showing that he/she is making fair use of the domain without the intent of commercial gain, misleadingly diverting consumers, or tarnishing the trademark.

A trademark owner may prove bad faith by showing that:

  1. The domain name registrant registered the name primarily for the purpose of selling or transferring the domain name to the trademark owner,
  2. The domain name registrant registered the name primarily to disrupt the business of a competitor,
  3. The domain name registrant is using the domain to confuse and mislead the consumer to his own site for commercial gain, and
  4. The domain name registrant has a history registering the marks of others in order to prevent the use of the marks by the trademark owner.

A trademark owner that prevails in the arbitration has the option of either canceling the domain registration or having the domain transferred to his or her control. Unlike trademark or unfair competition legal claims, UDRP arbitration does not allow monetary damages.

Linking and Framing

In addition to possible copyright concerns, the process of linking and framing may also give rise to trademark or unfair competition claims. Framing the content of another website within owns own website template may confuse consumers as to the source of the content. Linking or framing used to "pass off" another person's work as one's own -referred to as "reverse passing" -may also violate trademark and unfair competition laws.

Contributory Trademark Infringement

An Internet Service Provider (ISP), website hosting company, search engine, or online advertising service, may be liable for contributory trademark infringement liability if they knowingly cause or contribute to the infringing conduct of another - such as when the ISP or other entity receives notice of the infringing activity and fails to act.

For example, a business posts a paid advertisement on an Internet search engine that is confusing similar to another business' mark. The trademark owner notifies the search engine of the infringing ad and the search engine does nothing. In this case, the trademark owner would have a potential claim against the search engine for contributory infringement.

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