LegalFix

§ 75-25-1. Definitions

MS Code § 75-25-1 (2019) (N/A)
Copy with citation
Copy as parenthetical citation

(a) The term “trademark” as used herein means any word, name, symbol, or device or any combination thereof used by a person to identify and distinguish the goods of such person, including a unique product, from those manufactured or sold by others, and to indicate the source of the goods, even if that source is unknown.

(b) The term “service mark” as used herein means any word, name, symbol or device or any combination thereof used by a person to identify and distinguish the services of one (1) person, including a unique service, from the services of others, and to indicate the source of the services, even if that source is unknown. Titles, character names used by a person and other distinctive features of radio or television programs may be registered as service marks notwithstanding that they, or the programs, may advertise the goods of the sponsor.

(c) The term “mark” as used herein includes any trademark or service mark entitled to registration under this chapter whether registered or not.

(d) The term “trade name” means any name used by a person to identify a business or vocation of such person.

(e) The term “person” and any other word or term used to designate the applicant or other party entitled to a benefit or privilege or rendered liable under the provisions of this chapter includes a juristic person as well as a natural person. The term “juristic person” includes a firm, partnership, corporation, union, association or other organization capable of suing and being sued in a court of law.

(f) The term “applicant” as used herein embraces the person filing an application for registration of a mark under this chapter, and the legal representatives, successors or assigns of such person.

(g) The term “registrant” as used herein embraces the person to whom the registration of a mark under this chapter is issued, and the legal representatives, successors or assigns of such person.

(h) The term “use” means the bona fide use of a mark in the ordinary course of trade, and not made merely to reserve a right in a mark. For the purposes of this chapter, a mark shall be deemed to be in use:

(1) On goods when it is placed in any manner on the goods or other containers or the displays associated therewith or on the tags or labels affixed thereto, or if the nature of the goods makes such placement impracticable, then on documents associated with the goods or their sale, and the goods are sold or transported in commerce in this state, and

(2) On services when it is used or displayed in the sale or advertising of services and the services are rendered in this state.

(i) A mark shall be deemed to be “abandoned” when either of the following occurs:

(1) When its use had been discontinued with intent not to resume such use. Intent not to resume may be inferred from circumstances. Nonuse for two (2) consecutive years shall constitute prima facie evidence of abandonment; or

(2) When any course of conduct of the owner, including acts of omission as well as commission, causes the mark to lose its significance as a mark.

(j) The term “secretary” as used herein means the Secretary of State or the designee of the secretary charged with the administration of this chapter.

(k) The term “dilution” as used herein means dilution by blurring or dilution by tarnishment, regardless of the presence or absence of:

(1) Competition between the owner of the famous mark and other parties, or

(2) Actual or likely confusion, mistake, or deception, or

(3) Actual economic injury.

(l) The term “dilution by blurring” as used herein means association arising from the similarity between a mark or trade name and a famous mark that impairs the distinctiveness of the famous mark.

(m) The term “dilution by tarnishment” as used herein means association arising from the similarity between a mark or trade name and a famous mark that harms the reputation of the famous mark.

LegalFix

Copyright ©2024 LegalFix. All rights reserved. LegalFix is not a law firm, is not licensed to practice law, and does not provide legal advice, services, or representation. The information on this website is an overview of the legal plans you can purchase—or that may be provided by your employer as an employee benefit or by your credit union or other membership group as a membership benefit.

LegalFix provides its members with easy access to affordable legal services through a network of independent law firms. LegalFix, its corporate entity, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors do not provide legal advice, services, or representation—directly or indirectly.

The articles and information on the site are not legal advice and should not be relied upon—they are for information purposes only. You should become a LegalFix member to get legal services from one of our network law firms.

You should not disclose confidential or potentially incriminating information to LegalFix—you should only communicate such information to your network law firm.

The benefits and legal services described in the LegalFix legal plans are not always available in all states or with all plans. See the legal plan Benefit Overview and the more comprehensive legal plan contract during checkout for coverage details in your state.

Use of this website, the purchase of legal plans, and access to the LegalFix networks of law firms are subject to the LegalFix Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

We have updated our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosures. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosures.
§ 75-25-1. Definitions