 |
|
"Clan MacTavish" Trademarked! |
|
I recall a weekend in 2005 standing in my father’s apartment shortly after his death cleaning out his belongings. My wife asked what my intentions were for all of my father’s Scottish things. My initial reaction was to toss everything. I was very angry that he had left before we had the chance to “clear the air”. She cautioned me against quick reactions and said I should allow time to think about it. I am very glad that I listened to her advice.
Two painful months passed before I came to a decision about what I wanted to do with his “Scottish things”. It was not a decision I took lightly but, in retrospect, that I decided to make my Chiefship an active role seems like it was meant to be. I decided to take hold of the opportunity to be a leader for the Clan. My intention was to do the best I could for all MacTavish families.
At the time we were unaware of the forces behind the scenes that would make my decision a major challenge. Never mind though, this challenge has made the Clan stronger. We have met the challenge head on and have not changed our course. We will succeed as promised. Mrs. MacTavish and I have taken steps that we believe will have positive, long lasting benefits for our Clan. Over the past year we have been working closely with Fasken Martineau in Toronto and Balch & Bingham in Alabama, to ensure that Clan MacTavish and the MacTavish crest badge are not misused by those people intent on creating confusion and misinformation. Therefore we wish to take this opportunity to inform you that the phrase “Clan MacTavish”, the crest badge and my coat of arms have all been trademarked in both Canada and the United States. Specifically it is the phrase “Clan MacTavish” and the crest badge trademarks that will have the most profound benefit for the Clan as it will bring greater clarity about who can use and operate with the name.
The intent of trade marking these items is not to dissuade their honest and sincere use at the Highland games by the vendors. Rather, it is to subject those who wish to misuse the trademarks to potential legal actions. Only those people the Chief grants permission may use the trademarks for such things as printed publications and banners, the sale of metal artifacts such as crest badges or kilt pins and clothing items such as t-shirts, caps and sweatshirts etc. Future use for glassware, among other things, has also been reserved. Please feel free to check out the United States Patent and Trade Mark Office web site at www.uspto.gov for further updates. The serial numbers for the existing trademarks are:
|
|