Google’s Trademark Lawyers have succeeded to de-register two businesses – Google LLC and Google Legacy. These were registered by Jason Weeks through the Australian Securities and Information Commission (A.S.I.C.).
The Court ruled that A.S.I.C. has to transfer the business names to Google because illegitimate registration and use of the business names, the domain name and the name Google had been made by Jason Weeks.
When registering a business name, so long as it typically has a spelling difference, the name will be registered. However, the fine print does state that you must have checked if the name infringes a trademark. Most people are unaware of this problem until they receive a cease and desist letter.
Jason Weeks had also registered the website www.googlefoundation.com.au.
Jason weeks also registered eight different Facebook accounts containing the GOOGLE Trademark, including GoogleMatrix, GoogleMagic, GoogleLegend, PixelLegacy, ChicagoLegacy, GoogleInfinite and GoogleStereo. Google has guidelines on the use of its trademarks and logos here.
Jason Weeks did not lodge a defence or even show up to the proceedings.
By Court order, the two Business names Google LLC and Google Legacy will be transferred by A.S.I.C.
Any business operator should always have their brand checked by a Registered Trademark Attorney before adopting the brand.
Registration of a business or company name through A.S.I.C. does not provide any legal ownership of the name, and can be removed through Court proceedings.
If you want to safe-guard yourself against Trademark infringement proceedings, have our Trademark Attorneys guide you past the traps and conflicts.
