The Solution

Private property (surname) shall not be taken for public use (trademark) "in simpliciter".

                        

Amendment to FTDA

A corrective amendment of the Federal Trademark Dilution Act of 1995 should take place.

Amendment (suggested concept)

A surname is deemed "famous", widely and popularly known, and not available for trademark by others "in simpliciter," that is, standing alone, when the surname is one-hundred years old, or more, and the genealogy members of the surname group through blood, marriage, and legal adoption, exceed five thousand (5,000) persons in number.

Cancel Surname "in simpliciter" Trademarks

Congress should rule to direct the United States Patent and Trademark Office to cancel surname trademarks "in simpliciter" because the effected global surname group is damaged by the registration. The justification for cancellation are, not all, discrimination, right to equality in the public place, and right to assembly, which occur when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group, in our case, persons of global surname ancestry.

Volunteer Support Needed 

To conclude this all, and speaking in the spirit of Rosa Parks, help us from our seat at the back of the surname trademark bus! Here is how you can help.

1. Tell your family and friends. Inform them.

2. Contact your Congressional representatives. Explain how you have been foreclosed from the full entitlement of use of your surname guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution.

3. Ask your Congressional representative to convey your concerns to Congressman Sensenbrenner, who would have great influence on the outcome of our crusade. We presented the Congressman's office with similar information to what we have on this web site, although he has not issued a response.

James Sensenbrenner, Member of Congress
Chairman, House Judiciary Committee
2449 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-4905
Telephone: (202) 225-5101, or, for information or assistance: (888) 246-6247

His e-mail address is sensenbrenner@mail.house.gov.
If you contact me through e-mail, please include your postal mailing address.

Web Site: http://www.house.gov/sensenbrenner