Special Report (Enterprise) IN BOX

UNCLE SAM AND THE NAME GAME

If you're thinking of naming your creamy new mini-cones-with-chips "Micro-Softs," check with your lawyer. A federal law effective in January lets owners of "famous" trademarks sue to stop use of their mark if it tarnishes the mark's image or dilutes its impact. Half the states already had similar statutes, but lawyers predict the federal law will prompt owners to become more aggressive.