Trademark Overview
As we begin to examine the law’s protection of trademarks, it is helpful to understand the big picture. The first reading for this lesson, 7 Reasons Why Trademarks are Important to your Business, will introduce why trademarks can be so valuable. The next two readings below will explain the logistics: what trademarks protect; how they are different from copyrights and patents; and why we have formal government protection for trademark rights.
You need only review the part of the INTA pamphlet I have assigned for purposes of this lesson, although it is also a good resource for topics we will cover later. Similarly, please read the USPTO webpage, but watching the accompanying video on the page is optional (although pleasantly corny and probably helpful). The end of the video introduces a few topics we will explore later. I wanted to assign a USPTO resource to familiarize you with their great electronic and written resources, all accessible to the public and available on their website.
Trademark Basics: A Guide for Business (Please read pages 2-3; sections entitled: “What is a trademark? and “The basics of trademarks")
Trademark, Patent, or Copyright?
Sources: International Trademark Association, USPTO
Examples of the Universe of Possible Trademarks
When most people think of trademarks, they think of famous logos - the Coca-Cola Classic in cursive, or the silver Apple on iPods and iPads. They are often surprised to learn that, under certain circumstances, sounds, and even smells can be trademarked. Read the following articles describing smells and sounds that you may be surprised to learn are trademarked.
Hasbro just trademarked the smell of Play-Doh
18 Sounds You Probably Didn't Know Were Trademarked
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