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.

Originally posted 2014-08-11 18:52:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Ron Coleman