What is the difference between unfair competition and trademark infringement?

Unfair competition and trademark infringement are two different areas of law. Unfair competition law is a broad area of law that focuses on any activity or business practices that are considered to be unfair or deceptive. It includes activities such as price-fixing, false advertising, and deceptive trade practices. In South Carolina, there is a state statute that governs unfair competition and provides remedies for businesses that are harmed by unfair competition. Trademark infringement, on the other hand, is a type of unfair competition law that focuses on the use of distinctive symbols, phrases, or logos by one company to represent its goods or services in the marketplace. If another company uses a similar symbol, phrase, or logo to represent its goods or services, the first company can bring a claim for trademark infringement to protect its commercial identity and goodwill. In short, unfair competition is a broad area of law that encompasses a variety of business practices, while trademark infringement is a specific type of unfair competition law that focuses on the misuse of distinctive symbols, phrases, or logos by one company.

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