Is Rolex A Registered Trademark?

[BristolCavendish]

I always thought it was for both Rolex SA and Rolex USA (going as far back as 1915 with periodic/recurrent filings). This issue has often come up when the company would take another to court (usually for false representation).

Now the question is. Does this only apply to wristwatches? The URL below shows a company that manufactures cookware in Mumbai (along with a somewhat comical company logo). Being in a different business altogether, are they exempt from any litigation pertaining to usage of the 'Rolex' name?

http://rolextins.com/

[Old Expat Beast]

According to D&H, Rolex first extended its trademark to cover "everything from cigarettes to paper and explosives"" in 1936. Which countries were covered is not made clear.

Before then, it seems to have been quite a commonly used name.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

According to D&H, Rolex first extended its trademark to cover "everything from cigarettes to paper and explosives"" in 1936. Which countries were covered is not made clear.

Before then, it seems to have been quite a commonly used name.

[BristolCavendish]

The cookware items might make for some interesting and/or amusing AD swag 'handouts'.

[Terrakot]

On the bottom of TRF page I noticed the statement “Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.”
I always thought the Rolex SA is the owner of Rolex trademark, but it seems that it’s belong to their US branch

[Etschell]

oh boy. i really thought BC was back for a second.

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by Etschell

oh boy. i really thought BC was back for a second.

Same here.

[padi56]

Trademark owners do not acquire the exclusive ownership of just the word in this case say Rolex. They only obtain the right to use the mark or name in commerce to prevent competitors in the same line of goods like watches or watch services from using a confusingly similar brand mark or name. The same word Rolex can therefore be trademarked by different producers to label different kinds of goods other than wrist watches, watch parts,watch service related items.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by padi56

Trademark owners do not acquire the exclusive ownership of just the word in this case say Rolex. They only obtain the right to use the mark or name in commerce to prevent competitors in the same line of goods like watches or watch services from using a confusingly similar brand mark or name. The same word Rolex can therefore be trademarked by different producers to label different kinds of goods other than wrist watches, watch parts,watch service related items.

What would then be the position on items such as caps and cufflinks that Rolex are known to make or have them made but are not really watch related?

[HogwldFLTR]

Not only are they patented but they also hold a patent portfolio. They are very strict on infringement.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by AK797

What would then be the position on items such as caps and cufflinks that Rolex are known to make or have them made but are not really watch related?

As long as they are official authorised By Rolex they can use the name and any emblem trademarked by Rolex.But today many of these caps,T-shirts, cufflinks, and many others are not official authorised so they are trademark infringements.

[037]

Originally Posted by AK797

What would then be the position on items such as caps and cufflinks that Rolex are known to make or have them made but are not really watch related?

It would come down to whether the logo or logotype is being used and if the larger company pursues a cased based on recognition. Even though Peter is 100% correct that two companies can have the same names in separate industries, things get difficult with billion-dollar companies and brand recognition based on name alone. As in, it would be difficult to create a Google pasta maker, Microsoft pizza oven or Apple blender without landing in court, even if completely unique logos or logotypes were used.

Where things are easier is if you have an Acme making threaded fasteners and an Acme making food preparation devices. "Acme" can be trademarked in each industry and with their own logo/logotype designs. However, if there were an Acme the size of Google with Google's equivalent worldwide brand recognition, things would be difficult for anyone else wanting to use Acme in their name.