"kenish" wrote
Not a trademark expert but know the basics as a product development engineer. One standard is whether the "average person on the street" would believe two products or companies with the same name are connected. For example, Viking stoves and Viking freight line or the Chevy Malibu/ Piper Malibu (plane) / Malibu landscape lights…probably not. If a LBS called themselves "Specialized Bike Outlet" that’s quite different.
Trademarking place names is interesting…note the Kia "Sorento" (the Italian city is spelled Sor(r)ento). Makes it easier for Kia to defend.
All this said, Specialized was definitely being a dick about it, especially since it turns out they aren’t the trademark owner!
^^^ +++++++++++ 1