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Questions and Answers
What characteristic makes a mark like 'Apple' for computers registrable?
What characteristic makes a mark like 'Apple' for computers registrable?
- It is widely recognized as a generic term.
- It is identical to the goods it represents.
- It has a known meaning that is arbitrary. (correct)
- It is descriptive of the goods.
Which of the following best categorizes 'fresh and crunchy' for apples?
Which of the following best categorizes 'fresh and crunchy' for apples?
- Descriptive mark (correct)
- Arbitrary mark
- Suggestive mark
- Generic term
What is the primary focus of Section 8-2B in trademark applications?
What is the primary focus of Section 8-2B in trademark applications?
- Identifying generic marks
- Evaluating absolute grounds for objection
- Assessing similarity with earlier trademarks (correct)
- Examining the uniqueness of a mark
In the STAVILLE test, what does the second step evaluate?
In the STAVILLE test, what does the second step evaluate?
Which of the following statements about earlier trademarks is true?
Which of the following statements about earlier trademarks is true?
What condition must be met for the likelihood of confusion to be assessed in trademark registration?
What condition must be met for the likelihood of confusion to be assessed in trademark registration?
In trademark law, what does the term 'descriptive' generally refer to?
In trademark law, what does the term 'descriptive' generally refer to?
What is the first requirement to evaluate under the STAVILLE test?
What is the first requirement to evaluate under the STAVILLE test?
Which type of trademark is likely to face the least difficulty in registration?
Which type of trademark is likely to face the least difficulty in registration?
What factor is crucial in determining if a mark has a higher threshold for dissimilarity?
What factor is crucial in determining if a mark has a higher threshold for dissimilarity?
When assessing similarity between two marks, what aspect should be primarily focused on?
When assessing similarity between two marks, what aspect should be primarily focused on?
Which of the following approaches is NOT used to determine oral similarity between marks?
Which of the following approaches is NOT used to determine oral similarity between marks?
From whose perspective should the assessment of mark similarity be made?
From whose perspective should the assessment of mark similarity be made?
What is the focus when analyzing conceptual similarity between competing marks?
What is the focus when analyzing conceptual similarity between competing marks?
Which statement about the assessment of mark similarity is most accurate?
Which statement about the assessment of mark similarity is most accurate?
What does the presence of high technical distinctiveness in a mark imply?
What does the presence of high technical distinctiveness in a mark imply?
How should competing marks be generally compared in practical scenarios?
How should competing marks be generally compared in practical scenarios?
Which factor is NOT considered when determining visual similarity of marks?
Which factor is NOT considered when determining visual similarity of marks?
What is the primary consideration regarding the consumer when assessing mark similarity?
What is the primary consideration regarding the consumer when assessing mark similarity?
What distinguishes being similar from being confusingly similar in the context of marks and goods?
What distinguishes being similar from being confusingly similar in the context of marks and goods?
Under what circumstances is a greater degree of care in selecting goods likely to reduce consumer confusion?
Under what circumstances is a greater degree of care in selecting goods likely to reduce consumer confusion?
How long is a trademark registration valid after the application date?
How long is a trademark registration valid after the application date?
What should a licensee do if trademark registration expires during the license term?
What should a licensee do if trademark registration expires during the license term?
What establishes the exclusive rights of a registered trademark proprietor?
What establishes the exclusive rights of a registered trademark proprietor?
What is the main financial consideration when applying for a trademark?
What is the main financial consideration when applying for a trademark?
What is a consequence of not ensuring the uniqueness of a trademark before application?
What is a consequence of not ensuring the uniqueness of a trademark before application?
Which statement best describes absolute grounds of objection in trademark registration?
Which statement best describes absolute grounds of objection in trademark registration?
What must the owner of a registered mark demonstrate within five years to avoid relocation for non-use?
What must the owner of a registered mark demonstrate within five years to avoid relocation for non-use?
What kind of information is disclosed in the Trademarks Journal after filing an application?
What kind of information is disclosed in the Trademarks Journal after filing an application?
How are relative grounds of objection different from absolute grounds?
How are relative grounds of objection different from absolute grounds?
When considering where to register a trademark, what future aspect should be taken into account?
When considering where to register a trademark, what future aspect should be taken into account?
What is the first step in assessing mark similarity according to the STA -well test?
What is the first step in assessing mark similarity according to the STA -well test?
In classifying goods under NEES classification, how many classes are there in total?
In classifying goods under NEES classification, how many classes are there in total?
Which class primarily covers financial, banking, insurance, and real estate services?
Which class primarily covers financial, banking, insurance, and real estate services?
What aspect does the British sugar factors NOT consider when assessing similarity?
What aspect does the British sugar factors NOT consider when assessing similarity?
When is the likelihood of confusion assessed in the STA -well test?
When is the likelihood of confusion assessed in the STA -well test?
How can one determine if goods are found on the same shelves in a shop?
How can one determine if goods are found on the same shelves in a shop?
What is the main implication if goods or services are under the same class?
What is the main implication if goods or services are under the same class?
What does it imply if goods are deemed to have a higher extent of competition?
What does it imply if goods are deemed to have a higher extent of competition?
What must be considered first during the assessment of mark similarity?
What must be considered first during the assessment of mark similarity?
Which of the following statements about self-serve consumer items is correct?
Which of the following statements about self-serve consumer items is correct?
In the intricate landscape of intellectual property law, particularly concerning trademarks, which of the following scenarios most accurately encapsulates the tripartite definition of a 'trademark' as enshrined in foundational legislative frameworks?
In the intricate landscape of intellectual property law, particularly concerning trademarks, which of the following scenarios most accurately encapsulates the tripartite definition of a 'trademark' as enshrined in foundational legislative frameworks?
Within mature intellectual property jurisdictions, the formal registration of a trademark constitutes a sine qua non for the legal establishment of proprietary rights and the subsequent initiation of enforcement actions against putative infringers.
Within mature intellectual property jurisdictions, the formal registration of a trademark constitutes a sine qua non for the legal establishment of proprietary rights and the subsequent initiation of enforcement actions against putative infringers.
Elucidate the nuanced legal significance of trademark registration as 'prima facie evidence of ownership' within the context of adversarial proceedings, explicitly contrasting its procedural implications with the evidentiary burden incumbent upon claimants in common law passing off actions.
Elucidate the nuanced legal significance of trademark registration as 'prima facie evidence of ownership' within the context of adversarial proceedings, explicitly contrasting its procedural implications with the evidentiary burden incumbent upon claimants in common law passing off actions.
In the jurisprudential assessment of trademark infringement and registrability concerning similar marks, the ________ test, exemplified by the Staywell decision, serves as a critical analytical framework, particularly within jurisdictions adopting a multi-step evaluative approach to determine the likelihood of confusion.
In the jurisprudential assessment of trademark infringement and registrability concerning similar marks, the ________ test, exemplified by the Staywell decision, serves as a critical analytical framework, particularly within jurisdictions adopting a multi-step evaluative approach to determine the likelihood of confusion.
Match the following categories of trademarks with their precise legal descriptions, as defined within established trademark jurisprudence:
Match the following categories of trademarks with their precise legal descriptions, as defined within established trademark jurisprudence:
Considering the economic and strategic imperatives of trademark registration, which of the following represents the most salient primary rationale for a commercial entity to undertake the formal registration of its trademark?
Considering the economic and strategic imperatives of trademark registration, which of the following represents the most salient primary rationale for a commercial entity to undertake the formal registration of its trademark?
In the context of trademark law, the assessment of 'mark similarity' within infringement or opposition proceedings necessitates a strictly 'side-by-side' mechanistic comparative analysis of the constituent elements of the competing marks, thereby minimizing subjective interpretative factors.
In the context of trademark law, the assessment of 'mark similarity' within infringement or opposition proceedings necessitates a strictly 'side-by-side' mechanistic comparative analysis of the constituent elements of the competing marks, thereby minimizing subjective interpretative factors.
Delineate the conceptual distinction between 'absolute grounds' and 'relative grounds' for refusal of trademark registration, explicitly illustrating how each category relates to the intrinsic characteristics of the mark itself versus extrinsic factors such as pre-existing registered marks.
Delineate the conceptual distinction between 'absolute grounds' and 'relative grounds' for refusal of trademark registration, explicitly illustrating how each category relates to the intrinsic characteristics of the mark itself versus extrinsic factors such as pre-existing registered marks.
Under Section 7.1(b) of relevant trademark legislation, a mark devoid of any ________ character is deemed ineligible for registration on absolute grounds, reflecting a fundamental principle that trademarks must serve to distinguish goods or services from those of others.
Under Section 7.1(b) of relevant trademark legislation, a mark devoid of any ________ character is deemed ineligible for registration on absolute grounds, reflecting a fundamental principle that trademarks must serve to distinguish goods or services from those of others.
In the context of evaluating 'likelihood of confusion' in trademark infringement disputes, which of the following factors is unequivocally classified as an 'impermissible extraneous factor' and therefore disregarded in the formal assessment?
In the context of evaluating 'likelihood of confusion' in trademark infringement disputes, which of the following factors is unequivocally classified as an 'impermissible extraneous factor' and therefore disregarded in the formal assessment?
Within trademark revocation proceedings predicated on non-use, the evidentiary burden rests unequivocally upon the challenger to conclusively demonstrate the trademark proprietor's uninterrupted cessation of use for a continuous five-year period.
Within trademark revocation proceedings predicated on non-use, the evidentiary burden rests unequivocally upon the challenger to conclusively demonstrate the trademark proprietor's uninterrupted cessation of use for a continuous five-year period.
Articulate the differential effective dates that govern invalidation and revocation actions concerning registered trademarks, specifically detailing how these temporal distinctions impact the retrospective and prospective legal consequences of each action.
Articulate the differential effective dates that govern invalidation and revocation actions concerning registered trademarks, specifically detailing how these temporal distinctions impact the retrospective and prospective legal consequences of each action.
Section 27(5) of the Trademarks Act introduces a critical ________ element for certain categories of trademark infringement, stipulating that the putative infringer must possess a requisite level of awareness regarding the trademark owner's lack of consent for their use to be actionable.
Section 27(5) of the Trademarks Act introduces a critical ________ element for certain categories of trademark infringement, stipulating that the putative infringer must possess a requisite level of awareness regarding the trademark owner's lack of consent for their use to be actionable.
In assessing the 'similarity of goods or services' within the context of trademark law, particularly under the Staywell test's step two, which of the following analytical methodologies is considered most determinative beyond mere class concordance under the NICE classification?
In assessing the 'similarity of goods or services' within the context of trademark law, particularly under the Staywell test's step two, which of the following analytical methodologies is considered most determinative beyond mere class concordance under the NICE classification?
The 'STAVILLE' test, applied in both trademark opposition and infringement proceedings, mandates an identical methodological approach in both contexts, thereby ensuring procedural consistency across pre-registration and post-registration disputes.
The 'STAVILLE' test, applied in both trademark opposition and infringement proceedings, mandates an identical methodological approach in both contexts, thereby ensuring procedural consistency across pre-registration and post-registration disputes.
Describe the procedural and evidentiary requirements for successfully invoking the 'own name defense' under Section 28 of the Trademarks Act as a legitimate defense against trademark infringement allegations.
Describe the procedural and evidentiary requirements for successfully invoking the 'own name defense' under Section 28 of the Trademarks Act as a legitimate defense against trademark infringement allegations.
In the context of conceptual similarity assessment between trademarks, the evaluative process necessitates discerning the ________ that underpin and inform the overall understanding of each mark, appreciating them holistically rather than in isolated component parts.
In the context of conceptual similarity assessment between trademarks, the evaluative process necessitates discerning the ________ that underpin and inform the overall understanding of each mark, appreciating them holistically rather than in isolated component parts.
Considering the temporal scope of trademark protection, what is the standard initial duration of registration for a trademark from the date of application, and what mechanism is available for maintaining perpetual protection?
Considering the temporal scope of trademark protection, what is the standard initial duration of registration for a trademark from the date of application, and what mechanism is available for maintaining perpetual protection?
In jurisdictions adhering to principles of trademark territoriality, registration of a trademark in one jurisdiction automatically extends legal protection and enforcement rights to all other jurisdictions globally, thereby establishing universal trademark rights.
In jurisdictions adhering to principles of trademark territoriality, registration of a trademark in one jurisdiction automatically extends legal protection and enforcement rights to all other jurisdictions globally, thereby establishing universal trademark rights.
Explain the legal ramifications of failing to record a trademark license with the relevant Registry of Trademarks, specifically detailing the potential ineffectiveness of the transaction against third parties acquiring conflicting interests.
Explain the legal ramifications of failing to record a trademark license with the relevant Registry of Trademarks, specifically detailing the potential ineffectiveness of the transaction against third parties acquiring conflicting interests.
Flashcards
Trademark Registration Costs
Trademark Registration Costs
Registration costs increase with more variations of the mark, additional classes of goods/services, and extra jurisdictions.
Conflicting Marks
Conflicting Marks
A new trademark application can be rejected if it is too similar to an existing, registered trademark.
Goods/Services Classification
Goods/Services Classification
Selecting the correct class of goods or services for your trademark application is crucial for a successful registration.
Trademark Use Authorization
Trademark Use Authorization
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Non-Use Relocation
Non-Use Relocation
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Geographic Market Expansion
Geographic Market Expansion
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Trademark Opposition Grounds (Absolute/Relative)
Trademark Opposition Grounds (Absolute/Relative)
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Registrable Trademark (mark)
Registrable Trademark (mark)
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Non-registrable Trademark (mark)
Non-registrable Trademark (mark)
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Relative Grounds of Objection
Relative Grounds of Objection
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Earlier Trademark
Earlier Trademark
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Section 8-2B Ground (Trademark Law)
Section 8-2B Ground (Trademark Law)
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Stavville Test (Trademark Law)
Stavville Test (Trademark Law)
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Mark Similarity (Stavville Test)
Mark Similarity (Stavville Test)
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Goods/Services Similarity (Stavville Test)
Goods/Services Similarity (Stavville Test)
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Likelihood of Confusion (Stavville Test)
Likelihood of Confusion (Stavville Test)
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Confusing Similarity
Confusing Similarity
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Permissible Extraneous Factors
Permissible Extraneous Factors
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Impermissible Extraneous Factors
Impermissible Extraneous Factors
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Trademark Renewal
Trademark Renewal
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Exclusive Trademark Rights
Exclusive Trademark Rights
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Earlier Mark Application Date
Earlier Mark Application Date
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Visual Similarity
Visual Similarity
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Oral Similarity
Oral Similarity
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Conceptual Similarity
Conceptual Similarity
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Technical Distinctiveness
Technical Distinctiveness
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Mark Assessment
Mark Assessment
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Consumer Perspective
Consumer Perspective
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Imperfect Recollection
Imperfect Recollection
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Similarity vs Dissimilarity
Similarity vs Dissimilarity
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Composite Marks
Composite Marks
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STA-WELL Test
STA-WELL Test
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Step 1: Mark Similarity
Step 1: Mark Similarity
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Step 2: Goods/Services Similarity
Step 2: Goods/Services Similarity
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Identical Goods/Services
Identical Goods/Services
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Similar Goods/Services
Similar Goods/Services
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British Sugar Factors
British Sugar Factors
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Class Numbers
Class Numbers
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Competitive Goods/Services
Competitive Goods/Services
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Step 3: Likelihood of Confusion
Step 3: Likelihood of Confusion
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Step 4: Overall Assessment
Step 4: Overall Assessment
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Purpose of trademarks
Purpose of trademarks
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Trademark definition
Trademark definition
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Trademark registration
Trademark registration
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Trademark Journal
Trademark Journal
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Trademark Invalidation
Trademark Invalidation
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Trademark Revocation
Trademark Revocation
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Mental element of TM infringement
Mental element of TM infringement
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Defenses to infringement
Defenses to infringement
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Overcoming objection: Section 7.2
Overcoming objection: Section 7.2
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Resuming TM Use Prevents Revocation
Resuming TM Use Prevents Revocation
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Study Notes
Trademark Basics
- Trademarks Act is the main legislation.
- Trademarks Rules contain finer details.
Trademark Requirements
- Registration confers a property right and serves as prima facie evidence of ownership.
- Registration contrasts with common law action, where one proves good will.
Practical Considerations for Trademark Registration
- The needs classification is used
Registration Process
- Registered marks can be relocated for non-use if no use is shown for five years.
- Registering in advance in future markets is beneficial if budget allows.
- The Trademarks Journal publishes applications for public objection.
Grounds of Objection
- Absolute grounds are based on the mark itself.
- Focus on sections 7.1 and 7.2
- Section 7.1b: A mark devoid of distinctive character cannot be registered.
- Section 7: A descriptive mark cannot be registered
- Section 7.2: Overcome this by showing acquired distinctiveness before application.
- Inherently distinctive marks are registrable e.g Nutella
- Types of Mark with Examples:
- Low distinctiveness: misspelled descriptive mark.
- Distinctive through use: 7 to 11.
- Non-distinctiveness and descriptiveness are distinct grounds.
- Non-distinctiveness is a catch-all objection.
- Descriptive marks are a subset of non-distinctive marks.
- Some arbitrary marks with known meanings applied to unexpected goods/services are distinctive.
- Suggestive marks are registrable if the link is not direct
- Descriptive marks for goods and services they relate to should not be registrable.
Relative Grounds for Objection
- Depend on external factors such as conflicting marks.
- Application date determines if a trademark is earlier.
- Section 8(2)(b): applied mark is similar to the registered mark.
- Similar marks.
- Identical or similar goods/services.
- Likelihood of public confusion is required.
- Staywell and Starwood is a seminal case.
Applying the Staywell Test
- Mark similarity.
- Goods/services similarity or identity.
- Likelihood of confusion.
- Steps 1 and 2 are threshold requirements, if either is not met there is no need to move on to the next step
- This is a different approach from the global appreciation test in the UK and EU.
- In Step 1, identify the earlier mark/application.
- Ensure its application date is earlier than the subject application.
- Compare the marks for visual, oral, and conceptual similarity.
- Bear in mind inherent technical distinctiveness.
Mark Distinctiveness
- High technical distinctiveness gives a higher threshold for similar marks being considered dissimilar, for example Nutella.
- Similarity is a matter of impression based on essential or dominant features.
- Viewpoint of the average consumer and imperfect recollection are important.
Mark Similarity Types
- Qualitative Approach: Compares dominant and distinctive oral components.
- Quantitative Approach: Compares the number of syllables in common.
- Conceptual Similarity:
- Consider ideas behind the marks, appreciating the mark as a whole.
Step 2 of STA - Well test
- Identical or at least similar.
- Assess goods/service similarity with British Sugar Factors
- Consider:
- Uses of the goods.
- Users of the goods.
- Physical nature of the goods.
- Trade channels.
- Likelihood to be on the same or different shelves.
- Extent of competitiveness.
Step 3 of the STA - Well test
- Assess likelihood of confusion.
- Consider that relevant confusion should arise from the similarity of marks or identity/similarity of goods/services
- Difference Between Being Similar And Confusingly Similar.
- Permissible extraneous factors affect the consumer’s perception of the source of goods, and are intrinsic to the nature of the goods or affect the impact that goods similarity has on the consumer
- Impermissible factors are those created by a trader e.g price and packaging
Trademark Registration and Renewal
- A mark is registered for 10 years, starting from the application date
- Renewal depends on cost vs benefit.
Exclusive Trademark Rights
- Subject to disclaimers/limitations set out in Section 30
- Trademarks are personal property, can be assigned/licensed.
Recording Assignments/Licenses
- They must be recorded with the Registry of Trademarks
- Otherwise they are ineffective.
- This has implications for assignee's right to remedies against infringement.
Post-Registration Challenges
- A registered mark may face invalidation or revocation.
- They can be brought to the High Court or Registrar.
Invalidation
- Challenge is based on grounds like descriptiveness and non-distinctiveness under Staywell
- The registration is deemed to never been have been made, but this does not affect transactions passed and closed.
- This may be full/partial
Revocation
- Based on Section 22.1(a) and (b), for non-use (five years).
- The owner shows use of the mark, unlike the challenger.
- Relates to a specific area/specification
- Use within three months before application for revocation is discounted.
- Unless preparations began before awareness of potential revocation.
- Proven use must alter the distinctive mark element.
Trademark Infringement
- Provision is Section 27
- Mental element: defendant knew/should have known about non-consent.
Section 28 of the Trademarks Act
- Defenses: own name, descriptive use, earlier use.
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