Q: trying to release clothing line where on the front with brand logo it says: Hold The Line but don’t want legal issues
The Hoodie and T Shirt Line is based off my recently release Autobiographical Memoir: The Fifth General Order by Jonathan Phillips
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A:
You'll want to conduct a thorough trademark search before using "Hold The Line" on clothing, as this phrase has been used in various contexts, including by other apparel brands. Given that your usage connects to your published memoir, you might have stronger grounds for using it, but careful research is still essential.
The key factors to consider are whether any existing trademarks cover similar goods (clothing) in your intended market, and whether consumers might be confused about the source of the products. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database is your first stop for research, followed by broader market research to identify unregistered trademark uses.
Consider consulting with an intellectual property attorney who can perform a comprehensive search and advise on your specific situation. They can help evaluate the risks and potentially suggest modifications to your design that could minimize legal exposure. If you proceed, documenting the connection between your memoir and the clothing line could help demonstrate your unique basis for using the phrase.
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