The Trademark Paradox

Trademarks play a fundamental role in our everyday lives as consumers, helping us to quickly choose the products we like and avoid those that we don’t. Trademarks are also essential elements in a competitive market, allowing companies to build brand loyalty without fear of free-riding by competitors. Trademark laws thus diminish customer confusion, make «communication» between seller and buyer simple, and prevent unfairness. However, expanding legal protection, coupled with commercial «bullying»