Stallion wrote:that is a trademark in the unique stylized version of the letters "S-M-U" not a trademark of the letters "S-M-U". When SMU applied for a trademark they would have to describe how those letters would be used and in fact provide a sample of exactly how the trademarl would look. To trademark the running Red Mustang outlined in white they would have to present an image of a running red Mustand outlined in white-an that is what is protected.
BTW assumed names can be reserved in each state and registered in each county (ex. XYZ, Inc doing business as "Bubba's Fried Chicken" Once the state grants that corporation or entity that name or the assumed name is registered then that company has certain rights in that assumed name to conduct its business in that name in the respective jurisdiction. The state then will not allow any other company to reserve a deceptively similar name as "Bubba's Fried Chicken" to use that name to conduct its business but that is not under trademark law.
Now I am hungry for some fried chicken. Where is Bubba's?