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Simple English definitions for legal terms

dilution (trademark)

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A quick definition of dilution (trademark):

Dilution is when someone uses a famous brand name or logo in a way that confuses people or makes the famous brand less special. For example, if a company put a white apple logo on their appliances, people might think Apple made those appliances. This can harm the reputation of the famous brand. In the United States, there is a law called the Federal Trademark Dilution Act that protects famous brands from this kind of harm. If someone uses a famous brand name or logo in a way that is likely to cause confusion or harm the brand's reputation, the owner of the brand can ask them to stop.

A more thorough explanation:

In law, dilution refers to the use of a trademark or trade name in commerce that is similar enough to a famous mark that it confuses or diminishes the public's perception of the famous mark. This can happen in two ways:

  • Dilution by blurring: This occurs when the distinctiveness of a famous mark is impaired by association with another similar mark or trade name.
  • Dilution by tarnishment: This occurs when the reputation of a famous mark is harmed through association with another similar mark or trade name.

For example, if an appliance company puts white apple logos on their appliances, it could dilute the trademark of Apple by confusing consumers as to whether Apple began creating completely new items. This would be an example of dilution by blurring.

Many countries around the world provide dilution protection in some form as a part of trademark law. In the United States, the Federal Trademark Dilution Act (FTDA) creates a federal cause of action to protect famous marks from unauthorized use and to prevent dilution of the distinctive quality of such marks.

The owner of a famous mark is entitled to an injunction against another person who uses a mark or trade name in commerce that is likely to cause dilution of the famous mark regardless of the presence or absence of actual or likely confusion, of competition, or of actual economic injury.

To establish a claim of dilution, the mark must have become famous before use of the allegedly diluting mark or trade name began.

For example, if a new company started using a logo that was similar to the Nike swoosh, Nike could claim dilution because their mark was famous before the new company started using a similar logo.

The factors to be considered in determining whether a mark or trade name is likely to cause dilution by blurring include:

  • The degree of similarity between the mark or trade name and the famous mark
  • The degree of the famous mark's inherent or acquired distinctiveness
  • The extent to which the owner of the famous mark is engaged in substantially exclusive use of the mark
  • The degree of recognition of the famous mark
  • Whether the user of the mark or trade name intended to create an association with the famous mark
  • Any actual association between the mark or trade name and the famous mark

Certain uses of famous marks, such as fair use, are not actionable as dilution. Fair use includes use of the mark other than as a designation of source for the goods or services in connection with advertising or promotions that permit consumers to compare goods or services, and identifying and parodying, criticizing, or commenting on the owner of the mark or the goods or services connected with the mark.

For example, if a comedian made a joke about a famous brand of soda, they could use the brand name in their joke without being accused of dilution because it falls under fair use.

dilution | diminished capacity

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TGM
18:41
not sure if I should email them to say that, or just hold off on sending it and not give an excuse
18:41
I think I just wouldn’t reach out and if they ask for them then say that
Dkk
18:41
@tgm Yeah sounds good, say that if they ask
18:47
hey yall
18:47
im premed idk why im here
18:48
we’re like cool and sexy and fun I get it
18:48
true i love ur user
18:49
thank you my little crow friend
Dkk
18:50
Med law easy done
medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
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