Title 15, Commerce and TradeRelease 119-102
§1055 Use by Related Companies Affecting Validity and Registration
Title 15 › CHAPTER 22 — TRADEMARKS › SUBCHAPTER I — THE PRINCIPAL REGISTER › § 1055
Summary
If related companies legally use an owner's registered or pending mark without misleading people, that use and any first use done while the owner controls what is sold count for the owner.
Full Legal Text
Title 15, §1055
Commerce and Trade, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
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.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
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.”
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
of 1988 AmendmentAmendment 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 RightsRepeal 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.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
15 U.S.C. § 1055
Title 15, Commerce and Trade
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102