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The first requirement, that a mark be used in commerce, arises because trademark law is constitutionally grounded in the congressional power to regulate interstate commerce. See Commerce Clause. The Lanham Act defines a trademark as a mark used in commerce, or registered with a bona fide intent to use it in commerce. See 15 U.S.C. § 1127. If a mark is not in use in commerce at the time the application for registration is filed, registration may still be permitted if the applicant establishes, in writing, a good faith intent to use the mark in commerce at a future date. See 15 U.S.C. § 1051. Both at common law and under traditional Lanham Act registration procedures, exclusive rights to a trademark are awarded to the first to use it in commerce.
US trademark law "at common law and under traditional Lanham Act"
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