Effective date of TM

[apprentice]

Just regged a name and found that a TM was applied 2 months ago and date of 1st use was 6 months ago. Status is still pending and not registered. Any clarification on effective date of Tm and any problems with Tm ?

 

[edisaacson]

Well, the effective date would be the date the TM was first used, regardless whether there was an application or not. There could be problems for you depending on your use of the name. Can you prove legitimate use of the name?

 

[apprentice]

Thanks.
I picked up some nice info from the thread quick TM question......
I guess the best way to avoid potential TM is developing it, esp if the name is applicable to nonrelated business...

 

[clemzonguy]

Exactly!!

Unless it's a term that is unmistakably well known in the public like Coca-Cola and/or your use may cause mass confusion among people.

 

[timechange.com]

You mean my GayCola.com is confusingly similar?