When small businesses are just getting off the ground, one big question on their minds is, “How do we stand out from the competition?” One way to stand out is by having a distinctive name, slogan, or logo. It’s even better if a business takes steps to ensure these identifying symbols are maximally protected under the trademark law. A valid trademark identifies the source of … Continue reading Leveling the Trademark Playing Field for Small Businesses

Anyone interested in fashion or pop culture likely knows that CHANEL is one of the largest, well-known, and sought after names in the fashion industry. Words such as timeless, chic, and luxurious are often used to describe the clothes and accessories sold by the French fashion house. Since its beginning in the early 1900s, Chanel has obtained intellectual property (“IP”) rights, particularly in its trademarks. A trademark can be any word, phrase, symbol, design, or combination thereof that distinguishes your goods and services from that of another. For Chanel, its name and logo are both well-known and well recognized trademarks. Unfortunately for the average consumer, Chanel’s goods aren’t as easily accessible as they are recognized, due to the high price tags that the brand is also known for.

Continue reading “Don’t Tell CHANEL: Legitimate Resale or Trademark Infringement?”