Trademark Infringement
Using a mark identical or confusingly similar to a protected trademark for relevant goods or services without authorization, where this violates the owner’s rights.
Know your rights • Respect others’ rights
Common Intellectual Property Infringements
Intellectual property infringement happens when protected rights are used without the required permission or legal authority. Learn about common forms of infringement and practical steps to take when you have a concern.
Explore Common Types ↓Contact LIPOWhat Is IP Infringement?
Intellectual property (IP) infringement is a violation of an intellectual property right. It may involve copyright, trademarks, patents or industrial designs. The facts, the type of right involved and applicable law determine whether a particular use is infringement. Infringement can affect creators, businesses, consumers, public safety and the wider economy.
Copyright Infringement
Using protected creative work—such as music, writing, photographs, films or software—in a way that violates the copyright owner’s rights, without permission or a valid legal exception.
Patent Infringement
Making, using, selling or importing a patented invention without authorization where the activity falls within the patent’s protected scope and applicable law.
Industrial Design Infringement
Unauthorized use of a protected product design, such as its distinctive shape, pattern or ornamental appearance, where the use infringes the relevant design right.
Passing Off
Misrepresenting goods, services or a business as being associated with another trader in a way that misleads the public and damages the other trader’s goodwill.
Cybersquatting
Registering or using a domain name in bad faith to exploit another party’s name or trademark—for example, to demand an inflated resale price or mislead visitors.
Other Trademark-Related Practices
The following practices may raise trademark or related legal concerns depending on the facts, the rights involved and applicable law.
Ambush Marketing
Promoting a brand in connection with an event in a way that seeks to imply an official sponsorship or association that has not been authorized. Not every non-sponsor promotion is unlawful; the circumstances matter.
Confusing Similarity
A mark may raise a concern when its resemblance to another mark could confuse people about the source, sponsorship or connection of goods or services. The assessment depends on the marks and circumstances.
Trademark Dilution
In some legal systems, unauthorized use of a famous mark can weaken its distinctiveness or harm its reputation even where the goods or services do not directly compete.
Misleading Association
Using branding, packaging or claims that wrongly suggest another business’s approval, origin or connection may mislead consumers and raise intellectual property or other legal issues.
Important: This page provides general educational information, not legal advice or a determination that a specific act is unlawful. The legal tests and available remedies depend on the type of IP right and the applicable Liberian law.
What Can You Do If You Suspect Infringement?
Consider these practical steps before taking action.
STEP 01
Keep relevant records
Save dated screenshots, product details, URLs, receipts, correspondence and other information that may help explain the concern.
STEP 02
Identify the right involved
Gather available registration or ownership documents and identify whether the matter concerns a trademark, copyright, patent, design or another right.
STEP 03
Seek appropriate guidance
Contact LIPO for general information about IP matters or consult a qualified legal professional about your particular circumstances and possible remedies.
Have Questions About Intellectual Property?
Contact the Liberia Intellectual Property Office for general information and help finding the appropriate IP resources.
Contact LIPOVisit the IP Help Desk