Confusing Similarity In Trademarks And Service Marks
An important part of trademark law is whether two marks are confusingly similar to customers. This issue is frequently the key dispute in a trademark infringement case. If you believe somebody has copied your mark, or if somebody has accused you of copying their mark, you will want to meet with a trademark lawyer to discuss what to do. The marks do not have to be identical – just similar enough that consumers may get them confused.
The following checklist is intended to help you understand what “confusingly similar” means, so that when you see another mark just like yours, or close enough, you will be able to look at it critically. The issue is whether there is a “likelihood of confusion.” This means that customers will probably be confused between the two marks. The items on the list may be given greater or lesser weight depending on the individual circumstances in question.
Note: Trademark law applies equally to trade and service marks. The guidelines provided will be applicable to service marks by substituting the word “service” for “product” or “item.”
- Is it likely that a customer will buy a product, believing he or she is buying somebody else’s product?
- Are the products the same kind of item?
- Is it likely that a customer will believe that a particular entity has sponsored or approved the item bearing the mark?
- Are the two entities using the mark competing with each other for business?
- Do the two entities sell their product in the same sorts of stores?
- Do the two entities sell their product to the same kind of customers?
- How much do the two products cost? (This is a good way to determine whether a product is a knock-off as well.)
- How do the two entities advertise and inform customers about their products? Are they doing similar marketing?
- Does one entity use the same mark on several different kinds of products?
- Are the two products closely related? This question might arise in a situation similar to the following example: one entity using the mark sells cosmetics and the other entity sells hair do-dads. Both products are found in the “Health and Beauty” department of a drugstore or discount store, sometimes in the same aisle. Even if the products are different, they are closely related and confusion might arise. But if one entity uses the mark on cosmetics and the other uses the mark on trailer hitches, a strong argument could be made that the products are not closely related, not marketed in the same way, and not purchased by the same kind of customer.
- How much are the marks alike in their appearance?
- When spoken out loud, do they sound the same?
- Is one mark a literal translation of the other mark into a foreign language that would be familiar to the public? For example, “Chez Louis” for “Louie’s Place.”
- Is one mark well known and readily recognized? Good examples of well-known and readily recognized marks are the golden arches, the little bell in a circle, the Nike swoosh, the CBS eye, the Mercedes hood ornament. And what about Poppin’ Fresh, the Green Giant, and Tony the Tiger?
- Is the mark composed of a distinctive phrase or symbol?
- How long have the two marks been in use?
- Has the entity claiming infringement stopped using the mark?
- Is one entity a “free rider?” That is, is the entity using an established name or mark to get an edge in selling the item?
- What did the alleged infringer intend by using the mark?
- Was the use inadvertent or was some bad faith involved?
Remember: The right to use is not the right to confuse!
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