Geographical Territory (Trademark) Law and Legal Definition
Under trademark law, geographical territory is the territory in which one uses a mark. Generally, using a mark in a territory determines the extent of trademark rights granted to the user. The first person to use a mark in one region has exclusive rights in the mark for that region, and a junior user of a mark in that region can be forced to cease using the mark there. However, the senior user cannot stop the junior user from using the mark in a different territory as long as the junior user is the first to use the mark in that particular territory. There are two exceptions to the general rule, such as:
1. nationwide priority that is only available to federally registered marks, and
2. the doctrine of natural expansion, which is available to any mark owner.
Legal Definition list
- Geographical Territory (Trademark)
- Geographical Part of the United States
- Geographical Indications
- Geographic Service Area [Transportation]
- Geographic Mobility
- Geographically Remote Area (Trademark)
- Geography
- Geologic Repository [Energy]
- Geologic Repository Operations Area [Energy]
- Geologic Setting [Energy]
- Geological Surveys
Related Legal Terms
- Abandonment (Trademark)
- Acquiescence (Trademark)
- Acquired Distinctiveness (Trademark)
- Acquisition of Ownership (Trademark)
- Actual Confusion (Trademark)
- Advertising Injury (Trademark)
- Aesthetic Functionality (Trademark)
- Affirmative Defenses (Trademark)
- Affixation Requirement (Trademark)
- Assumed Name (Trademark)
