Jonah, a businessman, has no connection with Harvard University, but he has a new line of computer software that he would like to market to university students and faculty under the name of "Harvard Software." In this case:
A) Jonah may in all likelihood register the name "Harvard Software" under the Lanham Act.
B) Jonah may in all likelihood be able to copyright the name "Harvard Software" under the Copyright Act.
C) it is unlikely that Jonah will be able to register the name "Harvard Software," because it falsely suggests a connection to an institution.
D) it is unlikely that Jonah will be able to register the name "Harvard Software," because it has no secondary meaning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C is correct because the Lanham Act prohibits the registration of a trademark that falsely suggests a connection with persons, living or dead, institutions, beliefs, or national symbols. Using "Harvard" in the name could falsely imply an association or endorsement by Harvard University.

Jonah, a Businessman, Has No Connection with Harvard University, but He