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California Trademark Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property, Trademark, Business Formation and Business Law for California on
Q: Trademark conflict with U.S. company over a word in our software product and company name.

As a founder of a new software company developing a story writing product for writers, without generative AI, I've been approached by another founder who claims we should refrain from using a word in our company name due to their trademark. Their trademark application is in the U.S. and still... View More

Alan Harrison
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answered on Aug 26, 2025

If you're not in the United States yet, there is no trademark conflict. But if you're planning to enter the United States, you have a problem for which you need legal advice based on a candid and detailed set of information that you can't provide here. Entering the United States with... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Will trademark approval for my artist name allow me to claim it on DSPs despite its current usage?

I recently filed a trademark application with the USPTO for my artist name, which hasn't been previously trademarked in music or entertainment. The name was used in clothing/merch and appears abandoned. Music releases from 2022–2023 use the same name on iTunes and Spotify, but without... View More

Ryan Schmidt
Ryan Schmidt
answered on Aug 4, 2025

If your trademark is approved, it can give you strong rights to control the use of your artist name in connection with music and entertainment. You may be able to claim the name on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, especially if others using it haven’t established consistent or commercial... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for California on
Q: Risk of trademark infringement using names from a Sega game in my novel.

I'm a writer from outside the US and use the pen name Type27 for my novel, which features a character named Chariot. I recently discovered that these names are linked to a character in the Sega game "House of the Dead," which might pose a risk of trademark infringement. My story is a... View More

Christie Dudley
Christie Dudley
answered on Jul 14, 2025

Although you can be sued at any time by anybody for any reason or no reason at all, Japanese companies tend to be less litigious on derivative works in general as opposed to American animation companies. The best you can do is reduce the likelihood that they will pursue action.

The key is...
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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I use "Starz" for my clothing brand despite "Starz Block Party" existence?

I am considering using the name "Starz" for my clothing brand and have found that there is a company named "Starz Block Party" during my trademark search. I haven't received any responses from trademark authorities yet. Is it possible that using "Starz" for my... View More

Christie Dudley
Christie Dudley
answered on Jul 7, 2025

If your name is a lesser included word in the same category as an existing mark, then that mark is generally not available. If the existing mark is for something unrelated to your clothing line, such as children's toys, then there is not likely to be any conflict.

For example, the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for California on
Q: Legal restrictions on nursing business logo design

I'm in the process of designing a logo for my professional nursing business. Are there specific legal restrictions or considerations I should be aware of regarding the use of particular symbols or terminology in the logo?

Patrick A. Twisdale
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answered on May 4, 2025

If you're designing a logo for your professional nursing business, there are a few legal considerations to be aware of, especially depending on whether your business is accredited or subject to oversight by a licensing board in your state. Symbols like the Red Cross emblem (a red cross on a... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Consumer Law and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Received suspicious trademark cancellation notice demanding payment. What should I do?

I received a notice for a pending trademark cancellation demanding $1170, which I suspect is fake. The notice threatened to cancel our trademark "Spirit Hustler" (filed on Dec 17, 2021, number 97178378) next week. It was sent via mail with instructions to send a check to an address in... View More

Sergiy M Sivochek
Sergiy M Sivochek
answered on Apr 23, 2025

You can check the current status of your trademark registration directly on the USPTO’s official database by visiting:

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=97178378&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch.

To determine whether a petition...
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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark for California on
Q: Process for registering a tour and travel mark in USA and Canada.

I am a travel agent using a mark for tour and travel services and would like to register it in the USA and Canada. What is the process for registering my mark in these countries?

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Mar 24, 2025

In order to register a trademark with the US an application must be filed with the USPTO. You can file an in-use or intent-to-use application. The recommended first step is to work with a trademark attorney to conduct a quick search to see if similar marks are already registered. Once the mark is... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Trademark for California on
Q: Should I trademark my business name for an online t-shirt business?

I am planning to start a business from home in California, selling custom t-shirts online across multiple states. I haven’t decided on a business name yet. Should I trademark my business name, and what are the benefits of doing so?

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Mar 4, 2025

It is always smart to trademark your business name in order to protect your brand identity and to ensure no one else can use or infringe on your business name and brand you are building. You can file a trademark with the USPTO and it is always smart to consult a trademark attorney to guide you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark for California on
Q: Trademark expiration and renewal duration in the U.S.

What is the duration before a trademark needs renewal in the U.S., and what are the general rules for trademark expiration?

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Feb 16, 2025

A Trademark in the US must be renewed between the 5th and 6th year of registration by filing a Section 8 renewal. The mark must also be renewed on the 10th anniversary by filing a Section 8 & 9 with the USPTO. Thereafter, you must renew your mark every 10 years. Failure to file a timely renewal... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: How can I claim the right to use a similar band name that was previously trademarked?

The name we had intended to use populates under USPTO search but is marked as dead and expired, and is not currently in the process of being renewed . Their usage is the singular case of the word while our usage is plural (we add an "s" to the end of the word). They aren't actively... View More

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Dec 16, 2024

In order to claim rights to a prior trademark you must file a trademark application with the USPTO. If the mark is abandoned and it cannot be renewed or revived then you can file a trademark application for the same or similar mark in the same class of services. I recommend using a Trademark... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: How can I claim the right to use a similar band name that was previously trademarked?

The name we had intended to use populates under USPTO search but is marked as dead and expired, and is not currently in the process of being renewed . Their usage is the singular case of the word while our usage is plural (we add an "s" to the end of the word). They aren't actively... View More

Sean Goodwin
Sean Goodwin
answered on Dec 15, 2024

File a trademark application with the USPTO.

Please note: the fees are non-refundable. I highly recommend using a competent trademark attorney to run a clearance search first to ensure that the mark you want to use is actually available. For example, there is a way for recently abandoned...
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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: I'm looking to create and sell books commercially.

Some of them will have the word “Animal/Animals” in the title, internal pages, description etc. But there's a trademark for the word “ANIMALS” overseas, covering books. Does it mean that I can't include the word “Animal/Animals” either capital or lowercase in my book at all... View More

Sean Goodwin
Sean Goodwin
answered on Nov 8, 2024

The titles of books cannot be copyrighted.

Foreign trademarks are not applicable unless you plan to sell in that country. If you are worried about trademarks in the U.S., I highly recommend hiring a qualified trademark attorney to run a clearance search to ensure you will not be infringing....
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: A trademark has never been used in commerce, and is only being renewed as an "investment for his kids"

Trademark is "Hannifin", currently registered for international class 025, US class codes 022, 039. By all accounts, it was abandoned. There isn't even a website. The image used to "prove" its use in commerce was a one off embroidery design, and was never sold. On top of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

You might have some options to address this situation. If the trademark has not been used in commerce, it might be considered abandoned, which could potentially open the door for you to challenge the current registration. One step you can take is to gather evidence of the non-use and any misleading... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Is it legal to design and sell my own Caitlin Clark t-shirts? Are there any trademark or copyright issues?
Bao Tran
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on the information provided, designing and selling your own Caitlin Clark t-shirts could potentially raise some legal issues related to trademarks and rights of publicity. Here are some key considerations:

Trademark Issues:

Caitlin Clark's name may be protected as a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Looking for assistance from a trademark lawyer to answer my office actions.

I am currently trademarking my small business, and my brand name includes the words “New York”. We used to be located in NY, but moved to LA six years ago, and kept the brand name (Archive New York).

Now I have a few questions from the Trademark office to respond to (office actions)... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

I understand you're seeking assistance with trademark office actions for your business "Archive New York" after relocating from New York to Los Angeles. I can offer some general information that may be helpful:

1. Geographic terms in trademarks: The use of geographic terms...
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5 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: If I make a parody coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book," can I be sued?

If I make a coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book without using any of the company's products and adding a disclaimer, can I be sued just for using the company name? Instead of using real products from said company, each page features a ridiculous... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on May 30, 2024

A parody can be a fair use under the Copyright Act, meaning the creator of the parody does not need the permission of the owner of the copyright in the earlier work. The fair use doctrine also allows for the use of a trademark in a parody if it is used for commentary, criticism, new reporting,... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: If I make a parody coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book," can I be sued?

If I make a coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book without using any of the company's products and adding a disclaimer, can I be sued just for using the company name? Instead of using real products from said company, each page features a ridiculous... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 1, 2024

Instead of creating the "Unofficial Ikea Coloring Book" (or whatever famous furniture company you think) why not be a little more creative and make it something like "Denmark's (or Slovenia, or Latvia, Russia or some other country) answer to the Official Swedish furniture... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: If I make a parody coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book," can I be sued?

If I make a coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book without using any of the company's products and adding a disclaimer, can I be sued just for using the company name? Instead of using real products from said company, each page features a ridiculous... View More

Sean Goodwin
Sean Goodwin
answered on May 30, 2024

The U.S. Supreme Court redefined the parody exception to trademark law in 2023. In the case of Jack Daniel's v. VIP Products, the court held that trademark parody exceptions only apply to "noncommercial" products. Therefore, it is now much easier for famous trademark owners to sue... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: If I make a parody coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book," can I be sued?

If I make a coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book without using any of the company's products and adding a disclaimer, can I be sued just for using the company name? Instead of using real products from said company, each page features a ridiculous... View More

Robert P. Cogan
Robert P. Cogan
answered on May 30, 2024

Whenever anybody asks me, "Can I be sued?" my answer is, "Hey, this is America! You can always be sued." The right question is, "What risk am I taking?" Would the furniture company want to sue? If what you are doing is proper, the furniture company can still sue you.... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: If I make a parody coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book," can I be sued?

If I make a coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book without using any of the company's products and adding a disclaimer, can I be sued just for using the company name? Instead of using real products from said company, each page features a ridiculous... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 30, 2024

Using a company's name in the title of a parody work could potentially lead to legal issues, even with a disclaimer. Here are a few key considerations:

1. Trademark infringement: If the famous furniture company has a registered trademark, they may claim that using their name in your...
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