What is the connection between company names and trademarks?
Many companies use their names (usually omitting the corporate ending) as a brand or “house mark,” such as Microsoft and AT&T. Other companies may prefer to use their corporate names in a more limited manner, and eventually may change their relatively unknown corporate name to match their well known brand, such as MapQuest.com, Inc. (formerly GeoSystems Global Corporation). Company names may be protected either under the trademark laws, when the names are used as trademarks, or under the laws of unfair competition, or not at all, depending on the facts of the individual case. Where a company name is used as a trademark, it is desirable to obtain a Federal trademark registration.
