Consumer Surveys aren't required, but can be helpful.

"Courts have continually utilized surveys to show evidence of secondary meaning, generieness, dilution, and functionality in trademark litigation." - The John Marshall Review of Intellectual Property Law, Robert Thornberg

Survey evidence is often used in trademark litigation to test the likelihood of confusion and trademark dilution because a survey gauges the subjective mental associations and reactions of prospective purchasers. Since trademark holders are often unable to provide evidence of actual confusion when proving likelihood of confusion, courts often look toward surveys as strong circumstantial evidence.

Courts hold consumer surveys in high esteem. Surveys are considered to have both widespread acceptance and vital influence in trademark infringement. In fact, courts have even faulted litigants for not conducting a survey even when the litigant suggests it was cost prohibitive.

Critical to the success of a survey is the adherence to standard methods and protocols. Case outcomes can turn on survey evidence. One of the most notable cases, Black and Decker v. Positec, illustrates this point. On appeal, the court overturned a $54 million verdict in the Plaintiff's favor solely because the survey conducted unreliable and the expert who conducted it prejudicial.