Dilution and Free Speech in the U.S., Reprise
17 Pages Posted: 11 Apr 2019 Last revised: 1 May 2019
Date Written: March 13, 2019
Abstract
This Chapter address the topic of trademark dilution — the additional protection granted to famous trademarks under United States (U.S.) law. In particular it considers whether either form of dilution (dilution by blurring or by tarnishment) is an unconstitutional restriction on speech in light of recent U.S. Supreme Court caselaw.
I argue that dilution by tarnishment is likely unconstitutional under now-prevailing law, and that there’s at least a plausible argument that dilution by blurring is unconstitutional as well. I do not necessarily predict that courts will hold either form of dilution unconstitutional. But to avoid that conclusion, courts will have to develop distinctions that are not now apparent in the law.
Keywords: Trademarks, First Amendment, Free Speech, Dilution, Constitutional Law, Commercial Speech, Viewpoint
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation