Trademarks can have either definite or indefinite useful lives.
True
Yes, trademarks can have either a definite or indefinite useful life. The useful life of a trademark depends on various factors like its distinctive nature, market competition, strength of enforcement, changes in technology, and changes in consumer preferences.
A trademark with a definite useful life might be one that is registered for a specific term of years. For example, in the United States, trademarks are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a period of ten years, which can be renewed for successive ten-year periods. In this case, the useful life of the trademark is limited by the term of its registration.
On the other hand, a trademark with an indefinite useful life might be one that has become so well-recognized that it has acquired “secondary meaning.” This means that the public associates the trademark with the goods or services of a particular company, rather than just as a generic term. For example, the trademark “Coca-Cola” has acquired secondary meaning, as it is now recognized as a specific brand of soda, rather than just a generic term for any kind of cola. As long as the trademark remains distinctive and well-known, its useful life can be indefinite.
Whether a trademark has a definite or indefinite useful life, it is important for a company to maintain and protect its trademark through continuous use and enforcement, to ensure its ongoing effectiveness and value.
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