What is an infringement of a trademark and how can it be avoided?

An infringement of a trademark is when someone uses a symbol, word, phrase, or logo that is the same or similar to another trademark without the permission or consent of the trademark owner. This is illegal in Washington and also in the majority of other states. The most common form of trademark infringement is when a business uses a trademark that is already being used by another business. For example, if a business in Washington decides to use a logo that is already used by another business in the state, it would be considered an infringement of that trademark. To avoid infringing on someone else’s trademark, it is important to do extensive research and ensure that any logo or other trademark you use is not already in use. Additionally, businesses should register their trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office which will give them exclusive rights to the trademark. It is also important to be aware of words or phrases that are commonly known as trademarks, such as “Apple” or “Google”. If you use these terms without permission, it could be considered an infringement of the applicable trademarks. To avoid trademark infringement and protect your business from legal action, always do research to make sure you are not using a trademark that is already owned by someone else. Registering your trademark can also help ensure that it is not being used by someone else without your permission.

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