
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 15USC1055]

 
                      TITLE 15--COMMERCE AND TRADE
 
                         CHAPTER 22--TRADEMARKS
 
                  SUBCHAPTER I--THE PRINCIPAL REGISTER
 
Sec. 1055. Use by related companies affecting validity and 
        registration
        
    Where a registered mark or a mark sought to be registered is or may 
be used legitimately by related companies, such use shall inure to the 
benefit of the registrant or applicant for registration, and such use 
shall not affect the validity of such mark or of its registration, 
provided such mark is not used in such manner as to deceive the public. 
If first use of a mark by a person is controlled by the registrant or 
applicant for registration of the mark with respect to the nature and 
quality of the goods or services, such first use shall inure to the 
benefit of the registrant or applicant, as the case may be.

(July 5, 1946, ch. 540, title I, Sec. 5, 60 Stat. 429; Pub. L. 100-667, 
title I, Sec. 107, Nov. 16, 1988, 102 Stat. 3938.)


                               Amendments

    1988--Pub. L. 100-667 inserted at end ``If first use of a mark by a 
person is controlled by the registrant or applicant for registration of 
the mark with respect to the nature and quality of the goods or 
services, such first use shall inure to the benefit of the registrant or 
applicant, as the case may be.''


                    Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

    Amendment by Pub. L. 100-667 effective one year after Nov. 16, 1988, 
see section 136 of Pub. L. 100-667, set out as a note under section 1051 
of this title.


                  Repeal and Effect on Existing Rights

    Repeal of inconsistent provisions, effect of this chapter on pending 
proceedings and existing registrations and rights under prior acts, see 
notes set out under section 1051 of this title.
