You would need permission to alter the logo to begin with.
A trademark is protected for life as long as it is still in use.
Yes. That's trademark infrignement. That's why you get all these messed up looking jumpmans, some fat ones, some with all five fingers, some jumping to the left (our left), etc. Regardless, they know and we know and Nike knows that it is nothing more than a "tweaked" jumpman logo, still falling under their trademark infringement.
Can you obey the law and still commit an ethical violation?
If a trademark registration is not properly renewed every 10 years, the formal protections will end. However, you can still maintain a "common law" trademark if you continue to use the mark in trade.
Ethernet was a trademark of Xerox Corp., which relinquished the trademark when it was standardized by IEEE as IEEE 802.3. As it is no longer a trademark, Ethernet no longer needs to be capitalized, though it is still common to do so. The term has also come into wider use as new standards have emerged, as in "wireless Ethernet."
Yes Lens Crafter's does employ certified optometrists. Lens Crafters is one of the best nationwide optometry chains. Most LensCrafters locations do not directly employ certified optometrists. They will usually have an independent optometrist office located within their facility. They are associated, but still independent from each other.
It is not in the USPTO primary registry, but may still be protected by common law.
The 1920 registration for Dodgem as a bumper car company is still in force.
You can use the trademark ™ symbol on any unique name or logo you created and use. It does not require special registration yet still signifies your ownership. The Registered symbol ® is similar to the trademark symbol but it requires registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or PTO). The copyright symbol © is similar to the trademark symbol and does not require registration (though it is recommended), however it is for use on intellectual property as opposed to brand names.
No, wording does not have to be exactly the same as a trademark to be illegal. If the wording is similar enough to cause confusion among consumers and to dilute the distinctive quality of the trademark, it could still be considered a trademark infringement. It's best to consult with a legal professional for specific advice regarding trademark issues.
Buster Keaton
Marks in the Supplemental Register are still protected, and the owner can sue for infringement.