What is a trademark infringement?

A trademark infringement is when someone uses a brand name already trademarked by another person or company without their permission. It typically occurs when one company or individual attempts to register a trademark that is the same or similar to another brand that is already trademarked. In the state of Washington, such infringements can be a civil or criminal offense. Civil trademark infringement occurs when a person or company uses a trademark in such a way that it causes confusion, misleads people, or dilutes the value of the trademark. An example of civil infringement would be a competitor using a trademark for their own business that is similar to a well known brand. Criminal trademark infringement occurs when a person or company uses a trademark that has been registered by another person or company without their permission, with the intent to commit fraud or for other illegal activities. An example of criminal trademark infringement would be if someone were to copy a brand logo and print it onto clothing with the intent to sell it, without the permission of the original brand owner. In Washington, criminal trademark infringement is typically a class C felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. It is important to research trademark laws in the state before using a brand or logo that is already trademarked, as the consequences for trademark infringement can be severe.

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