Lanham

Lanham is a town in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. It is part of the Washington metropolitan area and lies northeast of the nation’s capital. The community is residential in character and is closely linked to the surrounding suburbs, with commercial corridors that serve local residents and neighboring towns. Lanham has a history tied to postwar suburban development and transportation access, including proximity to major highways and rail lines that connect the region.

The name Lanham also appears in U.S. law as the Lanham Act, the commonly cited name for the Trademark Act of 1946. The act governs trademarks, service marks, and unfair competition, providing rules for registration, protection against infringement, and remedies for false designation of origin. It has been amended several times to address evolving issues in branding, advertising, and intellectual property enforcement.

In addition to its place name, Lanham is used as a surname. Individuals bearing the name have contributed to various fields, including public service, academia, and business. The term may also appear in other geographic or institutional names, reflecting the historical or familial origins of the word.