Simple English definitions for legal terms
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An antidilution act is a law that prevents others from using a famous trademark in a way that could weaken its ability to identify and distinguish goods and services. This law is not concerned with whether the use creates confusion or deception. The Federal Trademark Dilution Act and many state laws provide protection against the commercial use of a famous mark that could dilute its distinctive quality.
The Antidilution Act is a law that protects famous trademarks from being weakened or diminished by other commercial uses. This law does not require that the use of the trademark creates confusion or deception, only that it lessens the trademark's ability to identify and distinguish goods and services.
For example, if a company started using the Nike swoosh logo on their own products, even if they were not in the same industry as Nike, it could be considered a violation of the Antidilution Act. This is because the use of the famous Nike logo could weaken its ability to identify and distinguish Nike's products from others.
The Federal Trademark Dilution Act is one example of an Antidilution Act. Many states also have their own versions of this law based on the International Trademark Association's 1964 Model State Trademark Bill.