- Level Foundation
- Duration 19 hours
- Course by University of Pennsylvania
-
Offered by
About
The protections afforded under trademark law have created incredible value in intangible assets, with the value of the world’s most valuable brands such as Amazon, Apple and Google each exceeding $100 billion. But what exactly is trademark law, and how is such enormous value created? This course examines the fundamentals of U.S. trademark law and the ways in which the manufacturers of various products and services can establish and protect their identities and the identities of their products in the marketplace. We will explore the purpose of trademark law, identify the different types of trademarks, including names, designs, logos, and trade dress, and explore strategies for choosing and protecting strong, potentially valuable trademarks. We will also discuss strategies for strengthening descriptive marks, and lay out the steps for filing for federal trademark protection. Finally, we will address how to design an ongoing maintenance strategy to protect, extend, and maximize the value of trademarks, and discuss strategies for responding to possible trademark infringement.Modules
Welcome
1
Discussions
- Introduce Yourself
1
Videos
- Introduction
2
Readings
- Pre-Course Survey (Optional)
- Trademark Overview
The Policy Behind Trademarks
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Videos
- The Policy Behind Trademarks
1
Readings
- Examples of the Universe of Possible Trademarks
What Can Qualify as a Trademark?
2
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
- Practice Quiz
2
Videos
- What Can Qualify as a Trademark?
- Trademark vs. Other Important Company Identifiers
1
Readings
- Contrasting Trademarks to Company Registrations and Domain Names
Designations That Cannot be Trademarked
1
Discussions
- What Marks Should be Protected
1
Videos
- Designations That Cannot be Trademarked
1
Readings
- Limits on Trademark Protection
Module 1 Summative Assessment
1
Assignment
- Graded Quiz
Choosing a Legally Strong Mark
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Discussions
- Qualities of Good Trademarks
2
Videos
- What Makes a Good Trademark?
- The Importance of Enforceability
1
Readings
- Different Perspectives on What Makes a Good Trademark
Considerations for Descriptive Marks
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Videos
- Can You "Fix" a Descriptive Mark?
1
Readings
- Introduction to Secondary Meaning
When to Conduct a Clearance Search for a Potential Mark
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Videos
- Should You Search a Potential Mark?
Designing the Search
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Videos
- Designing a Clearance Search
1
Readings
- How to Search
Interpreting the Search Results
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Videos
- Interpreting the Search Results
1
Readings
- Optional Reading: Non-Legal Considerations
Module 2 Summative Assessment
1
Assignment
- Graded Quiz
Deciding Between State and Federal Trademark Protection
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Videos
- Federal vs. State Trademark Registration
Determining the Right Time to File
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Discussions
- Benefits of a Trademark Portfolio
1
Videos
- When Are You Ready to File an Application?
Filing a Federal Trademark Application
2
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
- Practice Quiz
2
Videos
- Filing a Federal Trademark Application Part 1
- Filing a Federal Trademark Application Part 2
1
Readings
- Overview of the Registration Process
What Happens After You File
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Videos
- What Happens After the Application is Filed?
1
Readings
- Overview of the Process After Filing
Module 3 Summative Assessment
1
Assignment
- Graded Quiz
Maintaining Your Trademark Rights
2
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
- Practice Quiz
2
Videos
- Proper Trademark Marking and Use
- Policing and Maintenance Part 1
1
Readings
- Optional Reading: Safeguarding Your Trademark
Addressing Trademark Infringement
1
Assignment
- Practice Quiz
1
Discussions
- Correct Use of Cease & Desist Letters
2
Videos
- Policing and Maintenance Part 2
- Addressing Trademark Infringement
2
Readings
- Discovering Infringement
- Concluding Thoughts
Course Summative Assessment
1
Peer Review
- Devising a Trademark Strategy
1
Readings
- Post-Course Survey (Optional)
Auto Summary
Unlock the immense value of intangible assets with our comprehensive Trademark Law course, designed for those interested in the intricacies of brand protection and legal frameworks within the U.S. market. Guided by expert instructors on the Coursera platform, this foundational course delves into the essential aspects of trademark law, focusing on how businesses can establish and safeguard their brand identities effectively. Over the span of 1140 minutes, you will gain deep insights into the purpose and different types of trademarks, including names, designs, logos, and trade dress. Learn strategies for selecting and defending robust, potentially high-value trademarks, and the steps needed to secure federal trademark protection. Moreover, the course covers essential tactics for strengthening descriptive marks and maintaining trademarks to maximize their value, alongside approaches to handling trademark infringement issues. Ideal for those new to the domain or looking to solidify their understanding of trademark law, this course is available via a starter subscription on Coursera, providing a solid foundation for personal development in the realm of intellectual property. Join us to master the art of trademark protection and enhance the value of your brand.

Cynthia Dahl