trademark scope of coverage

[JackM]

I'd like to trademark my company name, as well as several names for products and services we offer. I'd like to know how many applications I need to fill out. For example, suppose I want to trademark "TOTALLY INTERACTIVE INTERNET PARTICIPATION" as well as the acronym "TIIP", and "VIRTUAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM & SETUP" as well as the associated acronym "VMDSS" for a separate product. Can all of this be covered under 1 application & fee? Or do I need to submit two (1 per name/acronym), or four (1 per text string, regardless whether one is an acronym for another)? Further, assuming I apply for and successfully obtain protection on all of the above text strings, to what extent am I then protected from another party's partial use - i.e. suppose somebody else later wants to use "TOTALLY INTERACTIVE INTERNET" and the associated acronym "TII", or "TOTALLY INTERACTIVE INTERNET PARTICIPATION SOURCE" and the associated acronym "TIIPS". Which, if any, is usable by someone else, given my trademark protection?

 

[racer72]

Have you done a copyright search yet to see if your names and acronyms are available? You will have to do a separate search for each item and each item will have to have its own application. As far as protecting your acronyms, you can protect your exact acronym only if someone else uses it for a product in the same field. Using one of your examples, you can copyright the acronym TIIP but if another group called the The Indiana Igloo Protectors wants to use the same acronym, there would be nothing you could do. They are from an unrelated field and they would also have the right to use the same acronym as you. The same applies to the similar acronyms you gave as examples.

 

[callmekami]

i.e. suppose somebody else later wants to use "TOTALLY INTERACTIVE INTERNET", or "TOTALLY INTERACTIVE INTERNET PARTICIPATION SOURCE" Which, if any, is usable by someone else, given my trademark protection? [/B]

I'm interested in this aspect also. Any additional insight out there?