Geographical names as trademarks
Defined in 1 dictionary — Case Law
Definitions from Case Law
From 221 U.S. 580 - Baglin v. Cusenier Co. · 1911Most cited · 289 citing opinions
It is undoubtedly true that names which are merely geographical cannot be the subject of exclusive appropriation as trademarks. 'Their nature is such that they cannot point to the origin (personal origin) or ownership of the articles of trade to which they may be applied. They point only at the place of production, not to the producer, and could they be appropriated exclusively, the appropriation would result in mischievous monopolies.