Describe some of the recent changes in trademark law.
The Trademark Law Revision Act (1988) allows companies to secure rights to a name before its actual use by declaring an intent to use the name. In 2003, the United States agreed to participate in the Madrid Protocol, which is a treaty that facilitates the protection of U.S. trademark rights. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that a company may obtain trademarks for colors associated with their products. Finally, the Federal Dilution Act of 1995 prevents someone from using a trademark on a noncompeting product (such as the "Cadillac" of brushes).