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The Commodification Of Trademarks: Some Final Thoughts On Trademark Dilution, Kenneth L. Port
The Commodification Of Trademarks: Some Final Thoughts On Trademark Dilution, Kenneth L. Port
Hofstra Law Review
After nearly 20 years of effectiveness, the Federal Trademark Dilution Act (FTDA) remains as controversial as ever. What the 20 years of jurisprudence has taught us is that academics have been right all along. Dilution is either unconstitutional, inappropriate, or simply misguided legislation. This article calls for its repeal. A thorough literature review shows that most academics oppose dilution. A study of all trademark litigation demonstrates that the cause of action of pure dilution never appears in reported cases anymore. The existence of the FTDA gives trademark holders the perverse incentive to claim that all marks are famous as “fame” …