Q: If I want to sell a massager online and the name I want to trademark for it is already registered for a spa service,
would I probably get denied even though one is a good and one is a service?
A:
Yes, a trademark would be denied if it is used in the same industry segment. How wide one defines segment is a bit of an art itself, but the trademarked phrase (that's a pun) is "likelihood of confusion." To me, massage and spa are just too close.
If the trademark of the "competitor" is registered, the penalty threat for infringement comes from the Lanham Act, where it wields treble (triple) damages.
Disclaimer: The response given is not intended to create, nor does it create an ongoing duty to respond to questions. The response does not form an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to be anything other than the educated opinion of the author. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. The response given is based upon the limited facts provided by the person asking the question. To the extent additional or different facts exist, the response might possibly change.
Marcos Garciaacosta agrees with this answer
A:
As indicated by colleague, yes most likely you will be denied.
Engage with an attorney that can help you to investigate all options, so you reduce your risks of refusal.
Make an appointment and get a consultation.
Best luck!
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
