What can occur if a trademark is infringed upon?

When a trademark is infringed upon, the trademark owner may be entitled to treble damages. This means that if a court finds that infringement has occurred, the damages awarded to the owner of the trademark can be tripled. This provision is intended to serve as a strong deterrent against infringement and to ensure that trademark owners are adequately compensated for the unauthorized use of their marks.

Treble damages are applicable in cases where the infringement was found to be willful, which highlights the seriousness with which the legal system treats trademark violations. The goal is not only to compensate the injured party but also to discourage others from engaging in similar infringing activities. This legal framework underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and reinforces the value of trademarks in commerce.

In contrast, the other choices present scenarios that do not accurately reflect the legal implications of trademark infringement. For example, the ease of trademark registration is not directly affected by infringement; a trademark being invalid is not an automatic consequence of infringement; and legal action can indeed be taken in cases of infringement, often leading to remedies such as damages or injunctions.