What does the Lanham Act primarily govern?

The Lanham Act primarily governs trademark registration and enforcement. Enacted in 1946, the Lanham Act provides a national system for trademark registration in the United States, allowing businesses to protect their brand identifiers from unauthorized use by others. This law sets forth the procedures for registering trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and outlines the rights and remedies available to trademark owners in case of infringement.

Trademark enforcement under the Lanham Act includes provisions that allow trademark owners to bring legal action against those who use confusingly similar marks without permission. It also establishes mechanisms for opposition and cancellation proceedings, thereby ensuring that trademarks are maintained or contested in a regulated manner to protect consumers from confusion and fraud.

The other areas mentioned, such as patent law, copyright protection, and trade secrets, are governed by different statutes and legal frameworks. Patent law is primarily addressed under Title 35 of the United States Code, copyright protection is handled under Title 17, and trade secrets are covered by state laws and the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. Hence, the focus of the Lanham Act on trademarks distinguishes it from the governance of these other intellectual property categories.