Can you trademark a flag?

For example, a flag design would be registrable if:

• It formed another design, number, or letter;
• It was substantially obscured by other matter in the logo;
• It was not in the normal flag shape;
• A significant feature of the flag was in a different color; or
• A significant feature of the flag was changed.

However, if the flag is simply a true and accurate representation of the flag of the United States, or of any state, municipality, or foreign nation, then the Trademark Office will reject your trademark application.

To trademark a flag, you must use that flag as a logo to identify your business as the originator of a line of goods or services and prove to the Trademark Office that the design of the flag is distinct enough to represent a single company’s products or services. If the flag is similar enough to another existing trademark, the Trademark Office will reject it. Successfully trademarking a flag will not prevent the flag from being utilized by other individuals, but will prevent competitors from using it to sell or promote similar types of products or services.

Trademarking Your Flag

If you have a stylized flag that you wish to trademark, contact us to ensure that your flag design is unique enough to register as a trademark.