U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Seeks Comments Concerning Trademark Bullies

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") is conducting a study and preparing a report to the U.S. House and Senate Judiciary Committees on “(1) the extent to which small businesses may be harmed by litigation tactics by corporations attempting to enforce trademark rights beyond a reasonable interpretation of the scope of the rights granted to the trademark owner; and (2) the best use of Federal Government services to protect trademarks and prevent counterfeiting.”

One issue being addressed is whether Congress has a responsibility "to do something to discourage or prevent trademark bullying" and if so, what Congress should do. The study and report will also include any policy recommendations deemed appropriate.

Recommendations and suggestions as to the other sorts of comments they are seeking is available on this page of the USPTO's website.

Comments are due January 7, 2011.