trademark-cease-desist

# Trademark Cease-and-Desist Letter

Pre-suit notice demanding cessation of alleged trademark infringement and evidence preservation.

## Quick Start

Collect before drafting:

1. **Owner** — legal name, entity type, signatory, counsel contact
2. **Mark** — exact mark, USPTO registration number/date/class (if any), first-use date
3. **Scope** — goods/services, channels of trade, geography
4. **Infringement evidence** — dated screenshots, URLs, product images, ads, packaging
5. **Confusion evidence** — actual confusion incidents, customer overlap, goods similarity
6. **Demands** — stop use, remove content, destroy inventory, transfer domains/handles, accounting
7. **Deadline** — exact calendar date, delivery method, proof-of-receipt plan

## Workflow

### 1. Gather Inputs

| Input | Req? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Owner name + address | Yes | Include counsel if represented |
| Mark type (word / design / composite) | Yes | — |
| Registration status | No | If registered, include USPTO details |
| First-use date | No | Required for common-law claims |
| Goods/services description | Yes | Match registered or actual use |
| Infringer name + address | Yes | Include DBA, online identifiers |
| Infringing uses | Yes | URLs, listings, products, social handles |
| Evidence list | Yes | Attach as exhibits |
| Demands + deadline | Yes | Exact calendar date |

### 2. Analyze Likelihood of Confusion

Address only applicable factors:

| Factor | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Similarity of marks | Appearance, sound, meaning, commercial impression |
| Relatedness of goods/services | Overlap or complementarity |
| Strength of mark | Distinctiveness, duration, marketing spend |
| Channels of trade | Same platforms, retailers, customer base |
| Actual confusion | Misdirected inquiries, emails |
| Intent | Copying, bad-faith adoption, prior knowledge |
| Consumer sophistication | Purchase care level |

### 3. Select Demands

| Demand | Include when | Proof requested |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate cessation | Always | Written confirmation |
| Remove from websites/marketplaces | Online use | Takedown screenshots |
| Destroy inventory/packaging | Physical goods | Destruction certification |
| Transfer domains/handles | Domains/handles used | Transfer confirmation |
| Notify distributors/retailers | Third parties involved | Copy of notice |
| Accounting of sales/profits | Damages likely | Sales report |

### 4. Draft Letter

Structure the letter in this order:

1. **Representation & purpose** — identify client, state formal notice
2. **Rights in the mark** — registered: USPTO Reg. No., date, classes, Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq.); unregistered: first-use date, geography, distinctiveness evidence
3. **Infringing use** — identify infringing mark, products/services/platforms, dates observed; assert likelihood of confusion as to source, sponsorship, or affiliation
4. **Likelihood-of-confusion analysis** — concise factor-based summary tied to evidence
5. **Demands** — numbered list of specific actions required
6. **Deadline** — exact compliance date with written confirmation required
7. **Remedies notice** — injunctive relief, damages, disgorgement under 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a)
8. **Reservation of rights** — no license or waiver granted
9. **Response instructions** — where to send response, what to include
10. **Enclosures** — exhibit list

## Pitfalls

- Use only verified facts; every allegation must have a supporting exhibit.
- Firm and professional tone only — no threats beyond civil remedies.
- Never claim willfulness without supporting facts (e.g., prior notice).
- Use exact calendar dates for deadlines, not "within X days."
- If including settlement terms, frame under FRE 408 and keep separate from demands.
- Tailor to jurisdiction — reference applicable state unfair-competition statutes.
- Address defenses only when evidence supports rebuttal.