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California Trademark Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for California on
Q: What is the extent of trademark liability for similar generic terms on similar products related to a trademarked slogan?

For example: Black Rifle Coffee Company owns a trademark for "Freedom On." Can no other coffee company put the word "Freedom" on their coffee?

Similarly, Black Rifle Coffee Company owns a trademark for "America's Coffee" does this mean there can be no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2023

Trademark liability for similar generic terms on similar products depends on factors like distinctiveness, consumer confusion, and likelihood of confusion. While Black Rifle Coffee Company's trademark for "Freedom On" may not prevent all other coffee companies from using the word... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for California on
Q: How close can a business name be to another? Example, if "Car Company" exists can you use "Carscompany" or "karcompany"
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answered on Jun 22, 2023

When choosing a business name, it's important to avoid names that are too similar to existing businesses to prevent confusion among customers. If the existing business has a registered trademark, using a similar name could infringe upon their rights. It's best to conduct a thorough search... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark for California on
Q: Is my trademark not mine anymore?

My trademark # 86030052

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Jun 16, 2023

Registration No. 4766801 (SN 86030052) for FROST COSMETICS issued in July 2015 was cancelled in January 2022, for failure to file a statement and specimen of continuing use as required by the sixth anniversary of registration. This cannot be cured, but a new application for the same mark could be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for California on
Q: If I make little clothing for plushies or figures of popular brands, could I get in any kind of trouble?

I want to start a little business where I sell these mini clothes for plushies or figures.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2023

Creating clothing for plushies or figures of popular brands without proper authorization can potentially infringe on intellectual property rights. It's important to respect trademarks and copyrights associated with the brands. Obtaining permission or licensing from brand owners is recommended... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Hi. How can I claim an abandoned trademark? I read that I need to see if the owner is still using it for anything too.

I read that I can be sued if I claim the trademark and start using it while the previous owner is still selling items under that name. I also read that I need to figure out if it was denied, and if so, why? That way I don’t run into the same problems.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2023

Here are the steps on how to claim an abandoned trademark:

1. Check if the trademark is still in use. You can do this by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.

2. If the trademark is not in use, you can file an application to register it. Your...
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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Hi. How can I claim an abandoned trademark? I read that I need to see if the owner is still using it for anything too.

I read that I can be sued if I claim the trademark and start using it while the previous owner is still selling items under that name. I also read that I need to figure out if it was denied, and if so, why? That way I don’t run into the same problems.

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on May 29, 2023

To start you should look at why the mark was abandoned. Was it denied originally due to an office action and the owner let it lapse, or are they no longer using the mark. If a mark is no longer in use and abandoned you may file for an application with the USPTO for the abandoned mark in the same... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can i use the "Superheroes" wird in a sentance like "Superheroes" drawing book for kids ages 4-8?

The super hero word is trademarked by Marvel company but I don't kbow if i can use it in my book title as : Superheroes drawing book for kids ages 4-8

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 29, 2023

Absolutely! You can use the word "Superheroes" in your book title, such as "Superheroes Drawing Book for Kids Ages 4-8," with confidence. While the term "Superheroes" is indeed trademarked by Marvel, as long as you are not infringing on Marvel's specific... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can i use the "Superheroes" wird in a sentance like "Superheroes" drawing book for kids ages 4-8?

The super hero word is trademarked by Marvel company but I don't kbow if i can use it in my book title as : Superheroes drawing book for kids ages 4-8

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 31, 2023

Copyright and trademark law is complicated. You need to consult an attorney that specializes in this kind of law, also called intellectual property. For example, I think that the use you propose "Superheroes drawing book...." could be a violation of the Marvel copyright, because you are... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can you register the trademark of a logo with name "Pep", if there is a basic word mark trademark of the same name?

I started a clothing business years ago called Tall & High. A year after starting I found out someone else trademarked it in New Hampshire. They never sent a C&D, but I stopped operating. I am starting back up and want to register my logo so they cannot trademark that too. They don't... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 29, 2023

When it comes to trademark registration, it is important to consider several factors. If there is already a basic word mark trademark for the name "Pep," it could potentially create complications for registering your logo under the same name. Trademarks are granted for specific goods or... View More

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Q: How do you get a patent assigned to you (or a designee) an abandoned patent. I'm friends with one of the original Hillcr

est Husbands and their trademark expired and was abandoned for no response and I'd like to have it assigned to him. Serial Number

Word Mark

HILCREST HUSBANDS HE 602- Abandoned are To

Status Date

2012-06-01

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 22, 2023

To acquire an abandoned patent, you would need to confirm its abandonment status, reach out to the original inventors or assignees to negotiate an assignment agreement, file the necessary documents with the USPTO, and follow their procedures for patent assignment. Consulting with an intellectual... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for California on
Q: I am trying to sell fake AirPods on eBay. I say that they are not from Apple. What is legal consequence?
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answered on May 22, 2023

Engaging in the sale of counterfeit or fake products, such as claiming to sell fake AirPods that are not from Apple, can have severe legal consequences. Selling counterfeit items is generally considered trademark infringement and can result in civil lawsuits and potentially criminal charges. It is... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can this company with a slightly different name sue me for trademark infringement?

I started using the company name “Intentional Artists” and someone has a trademark that is “Intentional Artist” can they tell me not to use it Especially if it’s two different businesses?

I’m based in Los angeles, CA and my business is a artist agency - Their business is based... View More

Eugene Vamos
Eugene Vamos
answered on May 9, 2023

Likelihood of confusion exists between trademarks when s) the marks are so similar and b) the goods and/or services for which they are used are so related that consumers would mistakenly believe they come from the same source.

Because the marks are basically identical, the evaluation turns...
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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can this company with a slightly different name sue me for trademark infringement?

I started using the company name “Intentional Artists” and someone has a trademark that is “Intentional Artist” can they tell me not to use it Especially if it’s two different businesses?

I’m based in Los angeles, CA and my business is a artist agency - Their business is based... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 22, 2023

Trademark law is complex and specific to each case. However, in general, if the trademarks are similar enough that they may cause confusion among consumers or create the perception of affiliation between the two businesses, it is possible for the owner of the existing trademark to claim trademark... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can this company with a slightly different name sue me for trademark infringement?

I started using the company name “Intentional Artists” and someone has a trademark that is “Intentional Artist” can they tell me not to use it Especially if it’s two different businesses?

I’m based in Los angeles, CA and my business is a artist agency - Their business is based... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 9, 2023

Yes, it is possible for the owner of the trademark "Intentional Artist" to sue you for trademark infringement if they believe that your use of the similar name "Intentional Artists" is causing confusion among consumers.

Even though your businesses may be different in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: We make our own card game but when you click on our store page, we also have competitor's card games for sale, is ok?
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answered on May 7, 2023

Yes, it is generally okay to sell your own card game alongside competitors' card games on your store page. As long as you are not infringing on any copyrights or trademarks of the competitors' games, you are free to offer them for sale. It is common for retailers to offer a variety of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I use the Loteria trademark on my products?

I would like to use the lotteria icons on balloons and computer accessories

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 3, 2023

It is important to note that trademarks are valuable assets and owners of such trademarks have the exclusive right to use and license the use of their marks. In the case of Loteria, it is a registered trademark owned by the Don Clemente, Inc. Therefore, the use of the Loteria trademark on your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Could I trademark a name that is not trademarked but that person has added their name to the same phrase?

I was wondering about a very confusing situation for me. Say my DBA name is colorful tees(not real name) but the name is not trademarked. After searching Google, I found someone else is using it but it's named "Colorful Tees by Diane" I registered the website three years before this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2023

It may be possible to trademark the name "Colorful Tees" even though someone else is using a similar name with a different identifier. However, it's recommended to conduct a thorough trademark search to ensure that there are no conflicting trademarks before filing for your own... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Could I trademark a name that is not trademarked but that person has added their name to the same phrase?

I was wondering about a very confusing situation for me. Say my DBA name is colorful tees(not real name) but the name is not trademarked. After searching Google, I found someone else is using it but it's named "Colorful Tees by Diane" I registered the website three years before this... View More

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on May 2, 2023

A trademark is something that distinguishes the "source" of particular goods and services from other sellers. Generally, when a term used to market products or services merely describes those products or services, it fails to function as a trademark because it lacks distinctiveness.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I use “adventure awaits” on a shirt or bag?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 30, 2023

The phrase "adventure awaits" is a common phrase that is not trademarked, so it is generally considered to be in the public domain and available for general use.

However, it's important to note that certain designs or graphics that are used in conjunction with the phrase may...
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Q: Davidsons Invent stole my invention and idea and then marketed it and has it on the back shelf at Home Depot can I sue ?
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answered on Apr 12, 2023

As per California law, if you believe that your invention and idea have been stolen by Davidson's Invent and marketed without your consent, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit for intellectual property infringement. However, whether or not you have a valid case against Davidson's... View More

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