Trademark Law

This course covers the federal and state law that governs trademark rights. The subject matter is of great importance to businesses, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, because all of them rely on protecting their reputation through brands. We will begin with the law of unfair competition and how trademarks fit within the broader context of intellectual property rights. Next, the course will explore how to get, keep and protect trademarks, and how to help different types of clients strengthen their trademark portfolios. The class will then focus on trademark infringement, counterfeiting, trademark dilution and false advertising. We will also explore the fair use of trademarks. Students will gain an understanding of the different ways in which trademark law permits the unauthorized use of brands by news organizations, competitors and the public. The course will conclude with a discussion of trademarks as speech, trademark use on the internet and in internet domain names.