Legal Definitions - false designation of origin

Definition: False designation of origin is a term used in trademarks to describe a mark, design, or any other element that creates a misleading or false impression of a product's source.

Examples:

• A company creates a logo that looks very similar to a well-known brand's logo, causing consumers to believe that the product is made by the well-known brand.
• A product is labeled as "Made in Italy" when it was actually made in China.

These examples illustrate how false designation of origin can deceive consumers into believing that a product is made by a certain company or in a certain location, when in reality it is not. This can be harmful to both consumers and legitimate businesses, as it can lead to confusion and loss of trust in the marketplace.