Intellectual Property
Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Design, Trade Secrets, and Domain Names
Introduction to Trademarks
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or log that is used to identify the source of goods or services. Trademark law serves to protect a business' brand or commercial identity and to help avoid consumer confusion. In the United States, trademark law is largely governed by the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. ss. 1051-1127).
This guide provides list of resources regarding trademark law.
Patent and Trademark Resources Online
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. In doing this, the USPTO fulfills the mandate of Article I, Section 8, Clause 8, of the Constitution that the legislative branch "promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." The USPTO registers trademarks based on the commerce clause of the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). Under this system of protection, American industry has flourished. New products have been invented, new uses for old ones discovered, and employment opportunities created for millions of Americans. The strength and vitality of the U.S. economy depends directly on effective mechanisms that protect new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity. The continued demand for patents and trademarks underscores the ingenuity of American inventors and entrepreneurs. The USPTO is at the cutting edge of the nation's technological progress and achievement.
Study Aids
Understanding Trademark Law by Call Number: Reserve KF3180 .L34 2016ISBN: 9780769865171Publication Date: 2016-07-27This Understanding treatise is a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the law of trademarks and unfair competition. It provides a thorough introduction to the federal laws protecting registered trademarks and trade dress, as well as the broad array of federal and state unfair competition doctrines which protect unregistered trademarks and trade dress. Coverage includes the standards and procedures for obtaining federal registration, the rights and remedies available to owners of both registered and common law marks under federal and state law, and the full array of applicable defenses.
Trademark and Unfair Competition in a Nutshell by Call Number: Reserve KF3180 .J26 2017ISBN: 9781634609067Publication Date: 2017-10-25This text provides a comprehensive treatment of the law of trademark, unfair competition, false advertising, and the right of publicity.
Mastering Trademark and Unfair Competition Law by Call Number: Reserve KF3180 .S65 2013ISBN: 9781594604492Publication Date: 2013-08-02
