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What rights do I have if someone is using my company's name without permission?

Under the law, when someone uses a company's name without authorization, they are infringing upon the company's trademark rights. Trademark infringement is prohibited under federal and state laws, and can result in civil or criminal penalties for those who engage in such activities. The first step to take if a company suspects that their name is being used without permission is to contact an attorney who specializes in Intellectual Property (IP) Law for advice on how best to proceed with legal action. The IP lawyer will need detailed information about how and where the unauthorized use of the name occurred. Depending on the jurisdiction involved, there may be additional remedies available beyond suing for damages or seeking an injunction against further unauthorized use of the mark. When deciding what action to take, it is important to consider any potential defenses that may exist due to fair use principles or other applicable exceptions which could limit any potential liability exposure associated with trademark infringement claims. Additionally, it may be worth considering whether pursuing litigation would have a significant positive effect relative to its cost and complexity compared with other options like sending cease-and-desist letters or filing administrative complaints before regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing IP rights in certain industries and contexts (such as governing bodies overseeing professional sports leagues). Ultimately, companies should seek appropriate legal counsel from experienced attorneys who specialize in this area of law so they can receive tailored advice based on their particular situation’s facts and circumstances while also ensuring full protection of their intellectual property rights under relevant statutory provisions.