Trademark advice
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Trademark advice
We have a business that designs and manufactures uniforms. My query relates to the use of other businesses and associations logos on these uniforms. Some of the uniforms may be sponsored by several businesses and hence their logos appear on the garments however how do we protect ourselves as a business just in the instance one of these businesses hasn’t given permission for their logo to be used. We assume especially in the case of bigger clubs and associations they have the permission as they are coming to use for their uniforms. I have been legally advised to get written permission from each business with a logo, however, this is impractical as some clubs have 50 sponsors or more. Can we provide a document worded stating we hold no responsibility for any trademark infringement and this responsibility lies with the club/business and its representatives?
Asked on February 23, 2017 under Business Law, Alaska
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
No, you cannot disclaim your responsibility in that way: if someone whose trademark you infringe wishes to sue you for the violation, they can do so (i.e. if you cannot make the trademark holders give up their rights with an agreement they did not sign). What you can do is have your customers execute agreements like what you describe which will not absolutely protect you, but will show that your infringement was innocent (which affects what you could be sued for--innocent infringement does not subject you to as much liability). The agreements should also state that the customer is affirming that they have any/all necessary permissions and are not infringing trademark (again, to establish your innocence); AND they should state that in the event of infringement, if you incur any costs (including legal fees) or losses, the customer will reimburse you.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.