Editor and Publisher: Stop the new trademark dilution bill
Steve Yahn at Editor and Publisher tries to stir up some interest in what should be — search-term advertising and other flavors of the month aside — the trademark story of the moment:
Embedded deep in H.R. 683, “The Trademark Dilution Revision Act,” which awaits what may well be a last look in the U.S. House of Representatives before being signed into law by President Bush, is language that would remove key free-speech protections that have been part of U.S. trademark law since 1996.
Read the whole thing. He’s right on: This bill will make the Lanham Act about as self- executing for plaintiffs as you could hope, at least for “famous marks.” Be very scared if you’re not the owner of such a mark… or its retained counsel.
UPDATE: Reaction at Editor & Publisher.
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