Who has Trademark Ownership?
Who owns a trademark? I'm involved with an organization and I looked up the PTO database and didn't find the organizations logo or name.
Does this mean the logo and name are up for grabs to register (and own)? Or is
it like copyright law, in which whomever authors the literature automatically has ownership rights, regardless of "publication" or "registration"?
Comments
Even if they have not REGISTERED the trademark, if they actively USE the logo, they retain the right to CONTINUE using it. Attempting to register it yourself can't take that right away. Unlike copyright, trademarks are limited in scope. It is possible for companies in different parts of the country and/or different industries to 'own' the same trademark at the same time.