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alisterio
Oct 14, 2006, 01:15 PM
I'm looking for legal advice on what holding the trademark for a registered corporation does for a minority owner.

I have been part of a website based business for the last two years, and would like to protect my interests, even take over control, and have been told that by registering the trademark in my name, I will gain a great deal of control.

I can provide more information of course...

Thanks

CaptainForest
Oct 14, 2006, 11:50 PM
For the best possible legal advice, you should consult with an attorney.

ScottGem
Oct 15, 2006, 04:49 AM
Doing this AFTER the fact probably will not fly. If, when setting up the company, you had registered it, you would have some leverage. But trying to do it now will probably be disallowed if the case comes to court. The company has been using the trademark since it was registered, so it could show valid usage.

alisterio
Oct 15, 2006, 05:44 AM
Doing this AFTER the fact probably will not fly. If, when setting up the company, you had registered it, you would have some leverage. But trying to do it now will probably be disallowed if the case comes to court. The company has been using the trademark since it was registered, so it could show valid usage.I have been a part of this company since it started, does that make any difference?


For the best possible legal advice, you should consult with an attorney.Yet it looks like I got a GREAT piece of advice right here! :D

ScottGem
Oct 15, 2006, 08:14 AM
No, it doesn't matter how long you have been with the company or even if you started the company. If it's a registered corporation then its an entity onto itself. Since the corporation has been using that trademark, for you to try and register it now would not hold up.

You are trying to close the barn door after the cows have gotten out.

alisterio
Oct 15, 2006, 09:18 AM
I should have said that the website is not yet incorporated... it will be in the next month or so...

What exactly is the point of registering the trademark then..

ScottGem
Oct 15, 2006, 09:57 AM
The point of registering a trademark is to prevent others from using the same trademark. However, prior usage can be considered in a court fight. Take a look at www.nissan.com (http://www.nissan.com)