Panel 1: The Scope and Strength of Trademark Law

The article examines the evolution and effectiveness of the Lanham Act, focusing on its impact on trademark law. It discusses how the Act's original goals, such as providing notice of trademark rights and ensuring uniformity in a national commerce context, have been partially met due to the lack of mandatory registration and judicial interpretations that have expanded trademark protections beyond initial intentions. The panelists highlight the tension between the procedural nature of the Act and the substantive changes introduced by courts, leading to both underenforcement and overenforcement issues.