Trademark litigation is the process of taking legal action to enforce or defend the rights to a trademark. This can include disputes over the registration, infringement, dilution, or cancellation of a trademark. Trademark litigation can be a complex and time-consuming process, involving multiple stages and a wide range of legal issues. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), there were over 4,300 trademark litigation cases filed in federal court in 2020. This is a significant increase from previous years, with the number of cases filed in federal court nearly doubling since 2010. One of the main reasons for this increase in trademark litigation is the growing number of trademarks being registered. The USPTO reported that in 2020, over 730,000 trademark applications were filed, a significant increase from previous years. With more trademarks being registered, the chances of disputes arising over their use and infringement also increases. Another factor contributing to the rise in trademark litigation is the increasing use of the internet and social media for commerce and advertising. This has led to a greater number of disputes over the use of trademarks in online platforms and the unauthorized use of trademarks in domain names and social media handles. In terms of the types of disputes that are most commonly litigated, infringement is the most common cause of action. Infringement occurs when someone uses a trademark that is identical or similar to an already registered trademark in a way that is likely to cause confusion among consumers. This can include using the trademark on competing products or services, or using a similar trademark in advertising or on a website. Another common cause of action is dilution, which occurs when someone uses a trademark in a way that weakens its ability to serve as a unique identifier. This can include using a famous trademark on unrelated products or services, or using a trademark in a way that implies a false association with the trademark owner. Cancellation is another cause of action, where someone files a request to cancel a trademark registration on the grounds that it is confusingly similar to an already registered trademark or that it is not being used in commerce. Overall, trademark litigation is a complex and time-consuming process that can be costly for both the plaintiff and the defendant. It is important for businesses and individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to trademarks and to seek legal advice if they are involved in a dispute.