Trademark law and freedom of speech

Professor Ramsey will talk about how trademark registration and enforcement laws can conflict with the right to freedom of expression.

Professor Ramsey will explain why governments should consider not registering words, personal names, symbols, creative works, and product features as trademarks when this subject matter had substantial pre-existing informational, expressive, or decorative value before it was claimed as a trademark. She will also discuss various speech-protective and pro-competitive rules that can better protect the free expression right in trademark enforcement statutes.

Professor Ramsey

Date: 13 March 2025