Abercrombie & Fitch Co. v. Hunting World, Inc.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. v. Hunting World, Inc. established the modern understanding of trademark classification by identifying different levels of distinctiveness—generic, descriptive, suggestive, and arbitrary or fanciful. This case clarified that not all trademarks are equally protectable; more distinctive marks (like suggestive or arbitrary ones) are granted broader legal protections because they are more likely to identify a single source. It helps brands understand how their marks are categorized in terms of protection, balancing fair use with brand recognition.