Kearney, NE asked in Trademark for Nebraska

Q: Is it against the trademark to state "fits the American Girl doll" on the listing of my crochet patterns?

On the pattern itself, it just says for 18-inch dolls. But in the description and search it states AG 143 Hiking Set - Crochet Pattern for American Girl Dolls

This is for the “PATTERN” only Not the completed item!

Fits the American Girl, Madame Alexander, Springfield, and other 18-inch soft body dolls. I was told there was a trademark infringement, but not just what the infringement was.

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Your use of the doll trademark to specify that the pattern fits that doll is "nominative fair use" of the trademark. It is not an infringement since you are not selling dolls or competing with the trademark owner, just informing the pattern market what doll yours fits.

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