Xavier Morales With all the time and money that you’ve invested in establishing and registering your trademark, imagine how devastating it would be to have a competitor use your mark with the law’s blessing. If you fail to adequately police infringement, that is exactly what could happen. Registering your mark is a necessary (but not wholly sufficient) … Read more
It’s impossible to mistake the Disney animated logo for anything else. The enchanted castle on a blue background, a shooting star and the opening notes of “When You Wish Upon a Star” can only mean you’re about to watch a Disney production. In use since 1985, the logo also serves as a way to show … Read more
The Lego trademark has been a symbol of imaginative play for almost 100 years. The Swiss company, which is still owned and run by the same family, was founded on the principle that toys could be educational, well made and fun. Playing Well At the age of 24, Ole Kirk Christensen moved to Billund, Denmark, … Read more
For any business owner, the potential costs associated with a trademark dispute battle can be extremely high. For some startups, the idea of entering into a legal fight over the right to use a mark is simply out of the question due to limited resources. There’s a new trend on the rise that is changing … Read more
If anyone can attest to the nightmare of waging a trademark battle against a corporate giant, it’s Amy Brooks, a Rochester-based entrepreneur. Ms. Brooks is the proprietor of Bubbles by Brooks, a distributor of therapeutic soaps for cancer patients. After surviving cancer treatment herself, Brooks began handcrafting skin care and soap products that minimize irritation … Read more
The color red and the scripted word Coca-Cola are worldwide symbols of refreshment and fun. The simple typeface, bright colors and consistency over time have turned this company’s logo into an unmistakable American icon. The Perfect Recipe In 1866, Atlanta pharmacist John Stith Pemberton perfected a blend of coca leaves, kola nuts, spices and sugar. … Read more
The Nike logo, known as “the Swoosh,” is one of the most recognized graphics in the world. This simple, powerful design has graced the company’s shoes and advertisements for more than 30 years. First Names and Logos When Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman founded their sneaker company in 1964, they named it Blue Ribbon Sports. … Read more
Fruit of the Loom is has been around for over 200 years, and it owns one of the oldest trademarks in US history. The company is the top seller of men’s underwear in the US and one of the most recognized names in the world. A Fruitful Enterprise In 1851, brothers Benjamin and Robert Knight … Read more
Burger King has long battled its chief rival McDonald’s for world burger dominance. Now in the second spot behind the Golden Arches, the chain has more than 12,000 restaurants in 73 countries. The company is known for its bright, retro-styled logos and its infamous Burger King mascot. Early Inspiration In 1953, Keith Cramer and his … Read more
Microsoft’s logo has gone through many changes, and each has reflected the shifting priorities of the famous software giant. A rapidly changing industry called for a logo that could keep up with those changes. Here’s a look at the evolution of the company and the logo. Microsoft’s Early Days Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded … Read more
As Tom Petty sang, the waiting is the hardest part. After you put time, effort, and money into filing your trademark application you want to hear something, anything, from the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). But in reality, not hearing anything bodes better for your registration. Once they receive your application, along with … Read more
Imagine you own a t-shirt manufacturing company called Bob’s Snazzy Shirts. You’ve worked hard to make Bob’s the region’s leading producer of t-shirts. After years of slow growth, you’re finally ready to make your company a national contender. You just need that one special shirt design to take you there. One night you go to … Read more
Next to the Statue of Liberty, the woman in the Columbia logo is the most recognizable statue in the US. The gorgeous painting depicts a glowing sunset and billowing clouds that surround a beautiful woman. Like that other famous monument, she lifts one arm bearing a torch and wears a flowing robe. This elegant symbol … Read more
Amazon is one of the biggest companies in the world. One of the so-called Big Four of Technology, the massive online retailer has annual sales of more than $200 billion dollars. Amazon has also been behind many innovations in technology, including drone package delivery, robotic workers, online cloud services and voice-activated assistance. Amazon began as … Read more
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is known for its peacock logo and its three-note chime. When you hear that sound and see that colorful bird, you know you’re watching NBC. NBC is a major force in network television. It’s the oldest broadcasting company in the US. The NBC logo has been part of the company’s … Read more
When you see golden arches, you probably think of McDonald’s. These golden double arches are among the most recognized symbols in the world. They point the way to a McDonald’s meal whether you’re in Iowa, Canada, the Philippines or France. How did McDonald’s come up with them? It all starts with a drive-in restaurant in … Read more