Hi. I do music (hiphop) and i use the name "AYSO"...am i violating trademark laws?

Question

I know that AYSO the soccer league has a trademark on "AYSO" but does that tradmark apply to somebodys name?

In case your wondering why i use AYSO....(my name is Andrew Soto...so people have called me A-SO since like 9th grade but people spell it with a Y cuz it looks wierd with just the hyphen)

Many people are already used to it and i really like the name...I havnt sold anything with the name on it yet...and dont plan to for a while...but what kind of legal issues could i have using that name?

Would AYSO even bother knowing that Im not even big or probably going to be big?

Please help! cuz if i need to change my name ... now would be the best time...thanks lot!

Answer 1

Determining if marks infringe can be tricky and each situation varies from another.

The general rules to keep in mind are:

1) Are the names similar in Sound, Appearance or Meaning?

2) Are the industries the same or similar to one another?

3) Are the names confusingly similar to the average consumer? In other words, could customers be confused and assume that both companies are affiliated?

4) Do the trade areas cross? What about the advertising routes -- are the products/services advertised in common places?

Here's what the USPTO has to say about this matter:

"The principal factors considered by the examining attorney in determining whether there would be a likelihood of confusion are:

the similarity of the marks; and
the commercial relationship between the goods and/or services listed in the application.

To find a conflict, the marks do not have to be identical, and the goods and/or services do not have to be the same. It may be enough that the marks are similar and the goods and/or services related."

It's best to contact a private search company or a trademark attorney to assist you in determining if this will be a problem or not.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Well a lot of soundtracks make me sad like the soundtrack of Rogue Assassin(War). Then Assassin's Creed Revelations soundtrack which is the first link. And a lot but can't really remember