Class Discussion: Space Force & Trademarks (Chapter 8)

Netflix is streaming a show called "Space Force (Links to an external site.)" which stars Steve Carell and John Malkovich. Netflix filed a trademark application for "Space Force" in January 2019 and began streaming the show on May 29, 2020. The show’s title, however, is the same name that is used by the U.S. government. This has led some to speculate about a potential trademark battle between the US government and Netflix concerning use of the name "Space Force." The Air Force applied to trademark "Space Force" in March 2019.

We’re going to use this real-life example to learn more about trademarks, which are discussed in Chapter 8. Please review the following prior to participating in this discussion:

• Chapter 8 of your textbook, specifically 8-1 which concerns trademarks; and
• Eriq Gardner’s June 5, 2020 The Hollywood Reporter article "Trump’s Space Force already Lost Its First Battle."

You must post your initial response prior to replying to others. Posting a blank message or a message with "." in your first reply permits you to see others’ responses first, which will lead to receiving zero points for the initial post since it can provide an unfair advantage.

1. There is no conflict between the government and Netflix, according to the Air Force spokesperson in the article. However, for this prompt, imagine that both Netflix and the US government want to sell a tshirt that says "Space Force" and the parties end up in a legal fight over the trademark application. Who should win and why? Please include your reasoning in a paragraph numbered "1." Please refer to your textbook for the rules concerning how the US Patent and Trademark Office reviews applications within Section 8-1b Trademark Registration. I am looking for two to three sentences in response.
2. For this question, presume that you are an entrepreneur and you’ve created a saying that you believe will be really profitable for your company. Have you learned anything from the Space Force example as to how best to protect your interests? Please write two to three sentences in response, labelling the paragraph "2."