All posts by: Adam Garson

*Originally posted on October 31, 2011 Did you know that a trademark may be refused registration because it is deceptive? Yes, indeed, the “deceptively misdescriptive” doctrine is an interesting — if not tongue-twisting — principle of trademark law, which occasionally rears its head. Here’s how it works in a real-life case. Retail Brand Alliance, Inc. […]

 In the United States, trademark applications are public disclosures from which you can learn some very important competitive information. A trademark application will reveal: 1. The identity of the owner of the trademark, and2. the nature of the goods and services to be identified by the trademark A U.S. filed trademark application is, in effect, a […]

*Originally posted on March 31, 2011 Did you know that there are two trademark registers maintained by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)? They are referred to as the “Principal” and the “Supplemental” Registers.  Typically, registration in the Principal Register is most desirable and is reserved for trademarks that the PTO determines are […]

*Originally posted on February 28, 2011 By now you may have heard that Sarah Palin and Bristol Palin have each filed applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”) to register their individual names as federal trademarks. Sarah identified her services as “information about political issues… Educational and entertainment services, namely providing motivational […]