General Disclaimer for Third-Parties
Our use of third-party emblems, insignia, icons, images, logos, photographs and symbols does not express or imply the existence of any direct relationship nor that any affiliation, association, endorsement or sponsorship exists between our organization and any third-party. All of our actual relationships are clearly stated under transparency standards on our websites and news publications, normally on the first page of a menu page, in the footer or the homepage.
By law, permission is not required to use a trademark belonging to another if it is for an editorial or informational use, if your use is part of an accurate comparative product statement, attributes our organization or if it is an idea that belongs to the Creative Commons of the public domain.
Statutory Exception Within Trademark Infringement Law
The Lanham Act is the statute that largely controls federal trademark law. One provision of the law allows for certain uses of trademarks. Under 15 U.S.C. § 1115(b)(4), one can assert a number of defenses against a claim of trademark infringement.
Informational Uses of a Trademark Are Permissible
Informational (or “editorial”) uses of a trademark do not require permission from its owner. These are uses that inform, educate, or express opinions protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution—freedom of speech and of the press.
Using Trademarks for Comparison
Under trademark law (specifically, 15 U.S.C. § 1115(b)(4)), you are generally permitted to use a trademark as a means for comparison. For example, you could create a newspaper advertisement that incorporates your mark and your competitors' marks in order to describe a difference between the companies.
First Legal Claim to Use 1964
The Goodwill Ambassador Commission has reorganized the Goodwill Ambassadors, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established for educational purposes in Clarksville, Tennessee. References: GuideStar , Cause IQ, NonProfit Facts, TaxExempt World (Claim Assumed by Goodwill Ambassador Commission)