What is the difference between unfair competition and trademark infringement?

Unfair competition and trademark infringement are two legal concepts with distinct meanings. Unfair competition is a broad term that refers to any kind of business practice that is considered to be unethical or deceptive. This could include activities such as false advertising, price fixing, misrepresentation of goods or services, or stealing trade secrets. Unfair competition is regulated by both state and federal laws, and violations of these laws can result in a civil lawsuit. On the other hand, trademark infringement is a specific type of unfair competition that involves the unauthorized use of another person’s trademarked brand or logo. In North Carolina, trademark infringement is governed by the Lanham Act, which provides the rules for using, licensing, and protecting trademarks. Generally, trademark infringement occurs when a person or business uses someone else’s trademark or logo without authorization and could result in a trademark infringement lawsuit. In summary, unfair competition is a broad term that encompasses a variety of business practices that are considered unethical or deceptive. On the other hand, trademark infringement is a specific form of unfair competition that involves the unauthorized use of another person’s trademarked brand or logo. Both are regulated by state and federal laws, and violations of these laws can result in a civil lawsuit.

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