Where You At? Geographic Descriptiveness in Trademarks

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 […]
University of South Carolina Adds Carolina Script Helmet Logo

“It’s football time in Tennessee.” The famous words of Vol legend John Ward have been in my head all week. The “Voice of the Vols” passed away a few months ago, but he will be on the mind of every Tennessee fan all season. In the SEC, traditions fade slowly. Before I was a Vol […]
Update- Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Wins Trademark Dispute
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how Sturgis Motorcycle Rally had sued Walmart and Rushmore Photo and Gifts for use of the “Sturgis” trademark. I also pointed out that I seemed to be writing a lot about motorcycle clubs and trademarks. So, when I saw that a jury had reached a verdict in the case, […]
State of Tennessee Concedes Defeat Over Logo Flap
Last week, I reported on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s rejection of the federal trademark application for the State of Tennessee’s boring new logo. Essentially, the USPTO found that the logo was too weak to have any trademark significance. And the State of Tennessee apparently agrees. This week, the state responded to the rejection […]
USPTO Rejects Controversial Tennessee Logo
The State of Tennessee made news recently when it unveiled a new logo. The news wasn’t that Tennessee is adopting a boring, new logo, but the fact that the logo cost $46,000 to develop. You read that right. $46,000. As you can imagine, watchdog groups are having a field day. The logo looks like something […]