Federal trademark registrations can appear in strange places, like 30,000 feet in the air going 600 miles per hour. Aircraft need protection from trademark infringement just like consumer goods. The most common fighter jets used by the U.S. military today are protected by federal trademark registrations: Mark Status Goods Owner F/A-18E US Reg. No. 2201081 […]
I’ve been a Vanderbilt football fan since arriving on campus as a freshman in 1994. Over the years, I’ve sat through many beatings at the hands of our SEC rivals, especially the University of Alabama. Until recently, the most memorable “highlight” from these games was Bill Marinangel’s epic fake punt in 1996: Of course, we […]
Branding is not just important for businesses. It matters for schools too. Here in Nashville, the branding for the various private schools is distinct and recognizable. From logos to mottos, these schools use their brands to communicate their values and culture. Trademarks are an essential part of this branding. If a brand is like someone’s […]
One of the misconceptions about trademark applications is that you protect the name only. However, you’re also required to specify the goods/services that will be sold/provided under the mark. Broad descriptions like “lifestyle accessories” are not acceptable. Instead, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office requires applicants to be specific. To assist with this process, the […]
A long time ago, before kids entered into the equation, my wife and I were frequent concertgoers. We both worked in downtown Nashville, and we were within easy walking distance of several venues. One of the first after-work concerts we attended was Weezer’s show at Municipal Auditorium in 2002. We didn’t have time to change […]
Once upon a time, in the olden days, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office wouldn’t let applicants register trademarks for expletives. It was considered immoral and scandalous under the Lanham (Trademark) Act. This was challenged by Erik Brunetti, an artist and designer who had been trying to register the word FUCT for clothing. And guess […]
The NFL season kicks off on Thursday when the Ravens take on the Chiefs in Kansas City. Storylines abound. Can the Chiefs three-peat? Is this the year that Lamar Jackson finally wins a Super Bowl? Will Patrick Mahomes complete another behind-the-back pass? The game also features two of the NFL’s most prolific filers of federal […]
The presidential campaign is heating up, and so is the number of political trademark applications being filed. Recently, several trademark applications related to Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have been submitted, including: Not surprisingly, the candidates did not authorize these applications. So what will happen to them? The USPTO will issue letters called “Office Actions” […]
If you’re an online seller, finding ways to save on expenses can boost your bottom line. When it comes to trademark applications, the way you file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) could significantly impact how much you pay in filing fees. With a bit of planning, you can simplify the process and […]
ChatGPT is one of the most popular AI chatbots in the world. However, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is unimpressed. In 2022, ChatGPT’s supreme overlord owner, OpenAI, filed an application to register CHATGPT as a trademark for downloadable and online software. The USPTO rejects applications for registration on the Principal Register if they are […]
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