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Trademark Law

The protections afforded under trademark law have created incredible value in intangible assets, with the value of the world’s most valuable brands such as Amazon, Apple and Google each exceeding $100 billion. But what exactly is trademark law, and how is such enormous value created?

This course examines the fundamentals of U.S. trademark law and the ways in which the manufacturers of various products and services can establish and protect their identities and the identities of their products in the marketplace.

We will explore the purpose of trademark law, identify the different types of trademarks, including names, designs, logos, and trade dress, and explore strategies for choosing and protecting strong, potentially valuable trademarks. We will also discuss strategies for strengthening descriptive marks, and lay out the steps for filing for federal trademark protection. Finally, we will address how to design an ongoing maintenance strategy to protect, extend, and maximize the value of trademarks, and discuss strategies for responding to possible trademark infringement.

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What's inside

Syllabus

What is a Trademark?

What is a trademark? What can and cannot qualify as a trademark? This module answers these important threshold questions to begin our study of U.S. trademark law.

How to Choose the Right Trademark

What does it mean for a trademark to be "good?" What is a "strong" trademark? This module answers those questions, and demonstrates how to balance the sometimes competing interests of the marketing and legal departments of a business.

Why and How to Protect a Trademark

In this module, you will learn if, when, and how to file for official trademark protection.

How to Maintain a Mark and the Basics of Infringement

So you have a trademark - what now? This module will show you how to protect and police your trademark, as well as how to approach potential trademark infringement.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops fundamental understanding of US trademark law principles

Useful for professionals in a variety of roles who need to understand trademark law

Clear and concise explanations of complex legal concepts

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Reviews summary

Highly rated trademark course

Learners say that trademark law is well received and engaging. The course is thorough, yet easy to understand. It covers the basics of trademark law while also providing learners with practical examples and real-life scenarios. The readings are interesting, and the instructor is knowledgeable and engaging. Overall, learners say this is a great course for anyone who wants to learn more about trademark law.

Knowledgeable and Engaging

"The instructor, very clear and easy to understand."

"Interesting subject matter and very knowledgeable instructor."

"Excellently delivered by our instructor. I learned a lot and gained a deeper understanding in Trademark Law which is important in my present role."

Practical and Informative

"This course provides not only theoretical lectures but also practical examples."

"I honestly did not know trademarks had that much substance."

"It skillfully balances the academia part of it with its virtual mode of delivery."

Very Positive

"This is one of the best courses I have ever attended!"

"Extraordinario curso, grandes profesores y material de primera calidad."

"Amazing course! The explanation of the subjects is really engaging so you are not distracted"

Thorough and Easy to Understand

"It packed a lot of the nuts and bolts of trademark law in, and still looked at the “big picture.”"

"The basics of trademarks are bound to be cleared up after this course."

"I found the materials to be easy to understand. I appreciated the multiple ways information was passed."

Certificate Verification Issue

"Its good one... But certificate is not verified through online link given at the certificate"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Trademark Law with these activities:

Review copyright law

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Build a foundational understanding of copyright law to support your studies.

Browse courses on Copyright

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Review the Copyright Act of 1976
Read articles and legal briefs on copyright law
Take a practice quiz on copyright law

Review of basic trademark law concepts

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Review fundamental concepts to enhance understanding of trademark law principles.

Browse courses on Trademark Law

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Review notes or textbooks on trademark law basics, such as definitions, types, and legal tests.
Summarize key concepts and principles in your own words.

Meet with a peer to discuss trademark law basics

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Discuss basic concepts of trademark law with a peer to check your understanding and solidify knowledge.

Browse courses on Trademark Law

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Find a peer who is also interested in trademark law.
Schedule a time to meet.
Discuss the basics of trademark law.
Ask each other questions.
Summarize what you have learned.

13 other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 16 activities

Complete online trademark courses

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Enhance your understanding of trademark law through guided online courses.

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Identify reputable online courses
Enroll in a course
Complete the course

Review intellectual property law

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Trademark law is a specialized area of legal practice. Reviewing intellectual property law can provide a strong foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Intellectual Property Law

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Identify key concepts of IP law.
Understand the different types of intellectual property.
Practice applying IP law to real-world scenarios.

Attend a workshop on trademark law

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Attending a workshop will expose you to a variety of perspectives on trademark law and provide opportunities to ask questions.

Browse courses on Trademark Law

Show steps

Find a workshop on trademark law.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop.
Take notes and ask questions.
Follow up with the workshop presenter.

Create a presentation

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Demonstrate your knowledge of the importance of trademark protection.

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Choose a topic
Research your topic
Create a PowerPoint presentation
Present your presentation

Design a trademark for a mock product

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Designing a trademark will enable you to apply the principles of trademark law to a practical situation.

Browse courses on Trademark Law

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Choose a product or service.
Identify the key characteristics of the product or service.
Develop a concept for the trademark.
Create a design for the trademark.
Write a description of the trademark.

Analyze legal cases

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Develop your analytical skills by practicing analyzing legal cases.

Browse courses on Legal Analysis

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Read a legal case
Identify the legal issues
Analyze the court's reasoning
Write a case brief

Follow an online course on trademark law

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An online course can provide a structured and self-paced way to learn more about trademark law.

Browse courses on Trademark Law

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Find an online course on trademark law.
Enroll in the course.
Complete the course.
Apply what you have learned to your work.

Complete case studies on trademark infringement

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Increased practice with trademark law case studies will better prepare you to deal with future cases in real life.

Browse courses on Trademark Law

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Analyze legal cases of trademark infringement
Determine the key issues in each case
Apply legal principles to resolve the cases

Volunteer at a legal aid clinic

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Gain practical experience in trademark law by volunteering at a legal aid clinic.

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Contact a legal aid clinic
Inquire about volunteer opportunities
Provide legal assistance to clients

Participate in a trademark law competition

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Participating in a competition will challenge you to apply your knowledge of trademark law in a real-world setting.

Browse courses on Trademark Law

Show steps

Find a trademark law competition.
Read the competition rules.
Develop a strategy for the competition.
Prepare your entry.
Submit your entry.

Draft a trademark filing

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Develop a comprehensive understanding of the trademark filing process through practical application.

Browse courses on Trademark Registration

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Research the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) and identify potential conflicts.
Prepare and submit a trademark application, including identifying the mark, goods/services, and legal basis.

Draft a trademark application

Show steps

Apply your understanding of trademark law by drafting a trademark application.

Browse courses on Trademark Registration

Show steps

Select a trademark
Conduct a trademark search
Prepare a trademark application
File the trademark application with the USPTO

Trademark enforcement strategies

Show steps

Explore real-world strategies for protecting and enforcing trademarks.

Show steps

Identify common forms of trademark infringement and remedies.
Analyze case studies to understand the legal and practical considerations in trademark enforcement.

Career center

Learners who complete Trademark Law will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Trademark Attorney

As a Trademark Attorney, you will help clients establish and maintain their brand identities. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania will equip you with a deep understanding of the legal framework surrounding trademarks and give you hands-on experience in filing and prosecuting trademark applications. This course may also help you develop strategies for protecting trademarks from infringement, which is a valuable skill for any Trademark Attorney.

See salaries and explore the career path for Trademark Attorney

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Intellectual Property Lawyers need expertise in how to protect their clients' brands, innovations, and creative works. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania offers an introduction to the fundamentals of trademark law, including how to establish and protect trademarks. This course may be useful for Intellectual Property Lawyers, especially those who are new to the field or those who want to expand their knowledge of trademark law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intellectual Property Lawyer

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers create and execute marketing campaigns. Some Marketing Managers specialize in brand management, which involves creating and protecting a brand's identity. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania provides Marketing Managers with an overview of trademark law, including how to choose, protect, and maintain trademarks. This course may be helpful for Marketing Managers who want to develop a strong understanding of how to manage and protect their brands.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs often need to protect their brands, and a strong trademark can be a valuable asset. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania provides a solid foundation in trademark law, which can be beneficial for any Entrepreneur, particularly those who want to bring new products or services to market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers identify and pursue new business opportunities for their companies. A solid understanding of trademark law can be helpful for Business Development Managers, as it can help them assess the risks associated with potential partnerships or acquisitions and negotiate agreements that protect their company's trademarks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Chief Marketing Officer

Chief Marketing Officers have overall responsibility for their companies' marketing efforts. A working knowledge of trademark law can be helpful for any Chief Marketing Officer, as it can help them make more informed decisions about how to protect and promote their brands. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania provides an introduction to the fundamentals of trademark law, including how to choose, protect, and maintain trademarks. This course can be useful for any Chief Marketing Officer who wants to develop a deeper understanding of the legal framework surrounding trademarks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Marketing Officer

Brand Manager

Brand Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for their brands. A strong understanding of trademark law can be helpful for Brand Managers, as it can enable them to assess the risks associated with potential marketing campaigns and protect their brands from infringement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Manager

Paralegal

Paralegals need a strong understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding trademarks. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive overview of trademark law, including how to choose, protect, and maintain trademarks. This course may be helpful for aspiring or current Paralegals, especially those who want to work in intellectual property law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paralegal

Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys need a solid understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding trademarks, as trademarks are often an important part of a company's intellectual property portfolio. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive overview of trademark law, including how to choose, protect, and maintain trademarks. This course may be helpful for aspiring or current Patent Attorneys, particularly those who wish to represent clients in trademark matters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Copyright Attorneys need to have an understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding trademarks, as many creative works may be protected by both copyright and trademark law. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania offers a thorough overview of trademark law, including how to choose, protect, and maintain trademarks. This course can be useful for aspiring or current Copyright Attorneys, especially those who wish to represent clients in trademark matters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copyright Attorney

Advertising Account Executive

Advertising Account Executives help clients develop and implement advertising campaigns. A basic understanding of trademark law can be beneficial for Advertising Account Executives, as it can help them assess the risks associated with potential advertising campaigns and assist their clients in choosing and using appropriate trademarks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Advertising Account Executive

Brand Licensing Manager

Brand Licensing Managers oversee the licensing of their brands to third parties. A strong understanding of trademark law is essential for Brand Licensing Managers, as it enables them to ensure that their brands are licensed in a manner that protects the value of the brand and minimizes the risk of infringement. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive overview of trademark law, including how to choose, protect, and maintain trademarks. This course may be helpful for aspiring or current Brand Licensing Managers, especially those who wish to represent clients in trademark matters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Licensing Manager

Marketing Analyst

Marketing Analysts collect and analyze data to help businesses make informed marketing decisions. A basic understanding of trademark law can be helpful for Marketing Analysts, as it can help them understand the legal context in which marketing campaigns are developed and implemented. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania provides an introduction to the fundamentals of trademark law, including how to choose, protect, and maintain trademarks. This course can be useful for aspiring or current Marketing Analysts who want to develop a deeper understanding of the legal framework surrounding trademarks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Trademark Examiner

Trademark Examiners are responsible for reviewing and approving trademark applications. A deep understanding of trademark law is essential for any Trademark Examiner, as it enables them to make informed decisions about whether to grant or deny trademark protection. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania provides a thorough overview of trademark law, including how to choose, protect, and maintain trademarks. This course may be helpful for aspiring or current Trademark Examiners who wish to develop a deeper understanding of trademark law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Trademark Examiner

Trademark Administrator

Trademark Administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a trademark portfolio. A solid understanding of trademark law is essential for any Trademark Administrator, as it enables them to ensure that trademarks are properly maintained and protected. The Trademark Law course from the University of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive overview of trademark law, including how to choose, protect, and maintain trademarks. This course may be helpful for aspiring or current Trademark Administrators who wish to develop a deeper understanding of trademark law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Trademark Administrator

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Trademark Law.

Onward and Upward

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Provides a comprehensive overview of trademark infringement law. It is an essential resource for anyone practicing trademark law.

Trademark Law

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Highly rated trademark course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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