San Luis Obispo, CA asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for California

Q: If I used the "LA' from the LA Dodgers & printed on a hat to sell, is that trademark infringement? Upside down as well?

For example I use the iconic "LA" logo on a hat to sell for my business, would that be trademark infringement. Let's say I change the font size, or flip the letter upside down, or add coloring, does it make a difference? Does this apply for the "SF' in SF Giants as well?

2 Lawyer Answers
Evelyn Suero
Evelyn Suero
Answered
  • Trademarks Lawyer
  • Miami, FL

A: If a mark being used is confusingly similar to another trademark and/or causes confusion as to the source of the goods or services (ie. where consumers may believe the other company to be the source of the goods), the use may be deemed trademark infringement.

Timothy John Billick
Timothy John Billick
Answered
  • Trademarks Lawyer
  • Seattle, WA

A: The more you change the logo, the less risk you will have of infringing on the trademark rights of others. So yes, it does make a difference.

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