Trademark and Unfair Comp. Boston College Law School November 9, 2004 Dilution (cont’d)
Federal Dilution Lanham Act §43(c) –(1) The owner of a famous mark shall be entitled … to an injunction against another person’s commercial use in commerce of a mark … if such use … causes dilution of the distinctive quality of the mark ….
Nabisco v. PF Brands
Dilution Factors From Mead v. Toyota (Sweet, J., conc.) –Similarity of marks –Similarity of products –Sophistication of consumers –Predatory intent –Renown of senior mark –Renown of junior mark
Ringling Brothers v. Utah
Actual vs. Likelihood 4th & 5th Circuits –Actual dilution –Actual proof of harm 2d & 7th Circuits –Likelihood of dilution –Can use contextual factors 6th Circuit –cert. granted
Panavision v. Toeppen
Federal Dilution Lanham Act §43(c)(1) –In determining whether a mark is distinctive and famous, a court may consider factors such as, but not limited to: … distinctiveness … … duration and extent of use … … duration and extent of advertising… … geographical extent of trading area … … channels of trade … … degree of recognition … … nature and extent of use … by third parties … … registration …
Avery Dennison v. Sumpton
Famous? Arthur the Aardvark Clue (board game) Candyland (board game) Hotmail (website) Children’s Place (store) The Sporting News (mag) WaWa (grocery) Star Market (grocery) Famous Not famous Famous Not famous Famous Not famous
I.P. Lund v. Kohler
Design Dilution?
Administrative Details Next Assignment –VII.C - Comparative and False Advertising