North Bergen, NJ asked in Copyright for New Jersey

Q: If an apparel company is called i.e "New York Spins Fastest", is it legal to start a brand called "Spain Spins Fastest"?

Basically, is it legal to exchange the first word and make a new brand out of it (whether it's Spain, Texas etc)? I was about to make a new brand when it came to my attention that there is already a brand with a very similar name- and it's apparel as well. The original company is trademarked and copyrighted.

Thank you!

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer

A: Using a trademark that is very similar to an existing trademark in the same class/category may be at risk for a claim of trademark infringement and dilution. Moreover, the USPTO may reject the trademark application due to a likelihood of confusion with a registered trademark. Consult with a trademark attorney.

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.