(1) The owner of a mark that is famous in this state shall be
entitled, subject to the principles of equity and upon such terms
as the court deems reasonable, to an injunction against another
person's commercial use in this state of a mark, commencing after
the mark becomes famous, which causes dilution of the distinctive
quality of the mark, and to obtain such other relief as is
provided in this section. In determining whether a mark is
famous and has distinctive quality, a court shall consider all
relevant factors, including, but not limited to the following:
(a) The degree or inherent or acquired distinctiveness of
the mark in this state;
(b) The duration and extent of use of the mark in connection
with the goods or services with which the mark is used;
(c) The duration and extent of advertising and publicity of
the mark in this state;
(d) The geographical extent of the trading area in which the
mark is used;
(e) The channels of trade for the goods or services with
which the mark is used;
(f) The degree of recognition of the mark in the trading
areas and channels of trade in this state used by the mark's
owner and the person against whom the injunction is sought;
(g) The nature and extent of use of the same or similar
marks by third parties; and
(h) Whether the mark is the subject of state registration in
this state or United States registration.
(2) The owner shall be entitled only to injunctive relief in
an action brought under this section, unless the subsequent user
willfully intended to trade on the owner's reputation or to cause
dilution of the owner's mark. If such willful intent is proven,
the owner shall also be entitled to the remedies set forth in
this chapter, subject to the discretion of the court and the
principles of equity.
(3) The following are not actionable under this section:
(a) Fair use of a famous mark by another person in
comparative commercial advertising or promotion to identify
competing goods or services of the owner of the famous mark;
(b) Noncommercial use of a famous mark; and
(c) All forms of reporting and news commentary.
[2003 c 34 § 7; 1989 c 72 § 10.]