Can multiple people trademark the same name?
<p>I looked up a trademark on <a href="http://tess2.uspto.gov/" rel="nofollow">TESS</a> and it turns out that it is already trademarked. This may sound like a noob question, but can I use it if my business is completely unrelated ? What if I own the domain, but someone else owned the trademark.</p>

<p>Yes, trademarks can be shared as long as they do not cause confusion.</p>

<p>For example,</p>

<p>Lexus the car
Lexis the information service
(Spelling is irrelevant in trademarks).</p>

<p>VAX a vacuum cleaner.
VAX a computer</p>

<p>Which worked well until the vacuum cleaner started running ads "The VAX sucks."</p>

<p>Ace Bandages and Ace Hardware. Delta Faucets and Delta Airlines.</p>

<p>Since these are in unrelated industries, there is no confusion. So, there is no infringement.</p>

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