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[pprnmba]

I am thinking of making some bracelets that have italian charms on them in the theme of breast cancer awareness using the "pink ribbon" as well as some charms I got off ebay.
My questions:
I can not acertain whether the usage of the "pink Ribbon" violates any trademark issues as the pink ribbon symbol does not seem to have a trademark - can I use it? How can I find out more about using things that appear to be in the public domain?
Also, if I add several different charms (different manufacturers) to a bracelet to make the theme work, can I call it by some name such as "survivor bracelet" and trademark the idea? Help! I just can seem to find any info on using a combination of other peoples things (some charms are not even labeled) and calling the end result my product and protect its idea.....

[M. Arthur Auslander]

Copyright infringement requires, "copying" not just using. A trademark identifies the goods or services mostly in the class of use.

It is a good idea to make sure the trademark you use does not conflict with the common law or registered trademark of another.

The usual method is to do a trademark search. If you are a small business and you are innocently infringing a trademark, it may be  possible to stop after a warning unless there are big bucks involved.

A good start would be to use and Intelledctual Property Lawyer you can trust to advise you specifically and possibly help you get a registered trademark on your goods.

Trademarks are foreven if you use them correctly. Coca Cola is about 130 years old.