Can you trademark a number?
Yes, you can trademark a number, so long as you use the number as a brand for your products or services.
It may be surprising to learn that you can trademark numbers, considering they're used so commonly, and there are only a finite amount of numbers that brands would want to use. However, it is possible to get trademark registration in the right circumstances.
There are actually quite a few numbers that have already been trademarked by famous brands. The number "5" has been trademarked by Chanel since 1989 to promote their very popular Chanel No.5 perfume. "57" is a registered trademark of H.J. Heinz Company for their Heinz 57 sauce. The number "501" is trademarked by Levi Strauss & Co. as a way to sell their most popular style of jeans and "31" is a registered trademark of Baskin-Robbins to promote the number of ice cream flavors they offer.
These are all great examples of how a relevant trademark in the form of a number can provide robust trademark protection. As a trademark owner, using a number in the branding for your products and services is a great way to do something different and memorable, as well as distinguish yourself from your competitors.
However, it's important to understand that not all numbers can become trademarks. The number must serve as a way to clearly distinguish your product/service and brand and must be distinctive enough to qualify for trademark rights. You also cannot use a number that is already trademarked in the same industry that you operate in.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to trademark a number and understand the nuances of trademark registration and the protection it offers, contact us today to speak with a trademark attorney. Our team can help guide you through the process of registering your mark and ensuring it complies with all relevant regulations.