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 […]
One common pitfall applicants face when it comes to trademarks is choosing marks that are deemed geographically descriptive. Though seemingly straightforward, this concept has significant legal implications, often serving as a barrier to trademark registration. So, what exactly is geographic descriptiveness in trademarks, and why does it matter? What is Geographic Descriptiveness? A trademark is […]
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 […]
Meghan Markle’s recent efforts to launch a new lifestyle brand under the name “American Riviera Orchard” have hit a procedural snag. Earlier this year, her company, Mama Knows Best, LLC, filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect the brand name for a variety of products, including kitchenware, drinkware, and […]
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” […]
In today’s competitive marketplace, brands are constantly seeking new ways to stand out and connect with consumers on a deeper level. While traditional trademarks—such as logos, names, and slogans—remain powerful tools for brand protection, the rise of sensory trademarks marks a significant evolution in the world of intellectual property. Sensory trademarks go beyond the visual […]
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