DJ Khaled Trademarks

Known professionally as DJ Khaled, the DJ is an Arab-American DJ, rapper, record producer, record executive, and also actor, and writer. Born Khaled Mohammed Khaled in November 1975 in New Orleans, Louisana, the DJ has released 12 albums, won 31 awards, been nominated for 132 awards, and has become a supremely successful musician. He has collaborated with huge artists like Beyonce, Drake, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dog, Nas, Ludacris, Akon, and many more.

With parents as musicians, Khaled has always been interested in music, and first entered the scene in the 1990s as a host on the radio station, 99 Jamz. This gig led to him working as a DJ for the hip-hop collective Terror Squad on their live performances in 1998. Khaled also worked in record studios around this time, helping artists like Lil Wayne and Birdman in the industry. He operated under many different names throughout the years, with the most popular being “Arab Attack”.  

Following his success with Terror Squad, DJ Khaled released his debut studio album in 2006, Listennn… the Album which reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 charts. He released his next album We The Best in 2007 which reached number eight. His following two albums, We Global and Victory chartered in the top ten on the US Billboard 200. Victory contained the single “All I Do is Win” which become certified triple platinum. 

Khaled become internationally recognized after his fifth studio album in 2011, We the Best Forever which featured the top ten hit, “I’m on One”. His next two albums, Kiss the Ring (2021) and Suffering from Success (2013) both charted in the top ten on the Billboard 200, but his eighth album I Changed a Lot (2015) only peaked at number 12. Khaled’s ninth album, Major Key (2016) was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. It was also certified gold and received a Best Rap Album Grammy nomination. It was around this time that Khaled’s popularity also grew thanks to his social media activity. 

The DJ’s tenth album, Grateful (2017) reached number one on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum, containing two big hit singles. In 2019 his eleventh album, Father of Asahd peaked at number two, but his single “Higher” won the Best Rap/Sung Performance at the Grammy’s (his first Grammy win). His latest two albums, Khaled Khaled (2021) and God Did (2022) both reached number one in the charts. 

Khaled has also done some work outside of music, appearing in the musical film, Pitch Perfect 3, as well as Spies in Disguise, and Bad Boys for Life and working as a judge on the singing competition, The Four. The DJ married clothing company founder, Nicole Tuck in 2005 who he shares two sons with, Asahd Tuck Khaled and Aalam Tuck Khaled. 

Famous DJ Khaled Trademarks 

Despite being in the industry for nearly two decades before his first album, DJ Khaled has become an internationally-recognized rap artist since his first album release in 2006. He has won several awards and has started to diversify his career. Protecting his assets and IP with USPTO could save him several future legal battles as well as millions of dollars. DJ Khaled currently has just 21 trademarks registered. Let’s take a look at his most famous ones, registered by ATK Entertainment, Inc. 

We The Best

“We The Best” was the first thing that Khaled trademarked. Not only was it the title of his second studio album in 2007, but “We The Best Music Group” is also the name of the American record label that DJ Khaled founded in 2008, and has become a popular catchphrase for the music mogul. He didn’t register the phrase for a trademark until 2012, but has since updated it throughout the years to cover:

• Musical sound recordings; downloadable musical sound recordings
• Entertainment services in the nature of recording, production, and post-production services in the field of music; production of musical sound recordings; music production services; entertainment services in the nature of presenting live musical performances
• musical sound recordings; musical video recordings; headphones; protective covers and cases for cell phones
• Clothing, namely, shirts, jackets, tops, caps, and hats; footwear; headwear
• Disc jockey services; music video production; entertainment services in the nature of recording, production, and post-production services in the field of music; production of musical sound recordings; music production services; entertainment services in the nature of presenting live musical performances; entertainment services in the nature of live disc jockey and rap artist personality performances; entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional entertainer; arranging, organizing, conducting, and hosting social entertainment events; master of ceremonies for parties, live musical entertainment performances, and special entertainment and social events; arranging, organizing and conducting and hosting night club parties; hosting special entertainment and social events for others
• Electronic cigarette liquid (e-liquid) comprised of vegetable glycerin
• Online retail store services featuring clothing and apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, headphones, entertainment electronics
• Entertainment services in the nature of an ongoing music and talk radio program featuring music, comedy, current events, inspirational and motivational programming, and celebrity interviews

DJ Khaled

The DJ didn’t trademark his stage name, “DJ Khaled” until 2016, despite releasing his first studio album under the name ten years earlier. The trademark largely covers his services as a DJ and his music. The rapper hasn’t updated what the trademark covers since registering for it. The wordmark trademark currently covers:

• Musical sound recordings; musical video recordings
• Disc jockey services; entertainment services in the nature of live disc jockey and rap artist personality performances; arranging, organizing, conducting, and hosting social entertainment events; master of ceremonies for parties, live musical entertainment performances, and special entertainment and social events; arranging, organizing and conducting and hosting night club parties; hosting special entertainment and social events for others

Key logo

Khaled has only one trademarked logo in his portfolio which features an illustration of a key emoji. This mostly relates to Khaled’s very popular videos on Snapchat in 2015 where he would share his advice, called “keys to success” and used the key emoji as part of these videos. He also has an album entitled “Major Key” (2016), a song called “I Got the Keys”, as well as a book released in 2016 called “The Keys”, a memoir that also shares his major keys to success. The DJ has trademarked several key-related slogans, but the key emoji is the only logo he has trademarked. It was registered for a trademark in 2016 and applies to:

• Entertainment services in the nature of master of ceremonies services for parties, live musical entertainment performances, and special entertainment and social events; disc jockey services; entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional entertainer; educational and entertainment services, namely, providing motivational speaking services and conducting presentations in the field of personal improvement and personal development; educational services, namely, providing regular ongoing public service announcements online in non-downloadable video format in the field of health insurance coverage, education, nutrition, and personal improvement; entertainment and educational services, namely, providing motivational and inspirational non-downloadable video presentations online in the field of personal improvement and personal development

Another One

“Another one” is a hugely popular phrase used by Khaled. The DJ regularly uses the catchphrase in his social media videos and refers to having another success. Whether it’s a song, a possession, or an accomplishment, “another one” is all about building momentum. Khaled uses this phrase at the beginning of his songs, referencing ‘another’ big hit. He also used this phrase in a series of GEICO ads. The rap artist trademarked the character mark in 2016 and it applies to:

• Shirts, tops, headwear, and footwear
• Entertainment and educational services, namely, providing motivational and inspirational non-downloadable video presentations online in the field of personal improvement and personal development; educational services, namely, providing regular public service announcements online in non-downloadable video format in the field of health insurance coverage, education, nutrition, and personal improvement; providing a website featuring non-downloadable videos and photographs containing inspirational and humorous topics of general interest; entertainment services in the nature of master of ceremonies services; disc jockey services; entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional entertainer

Read more: Trademarking a catchphrase

Asahd

The thing that Khaled has trademarked the most is his two sons’ names. He has trademarked both of their first names (Asahd and Aalam) as well as their full names (Asahd Tuck Khaled and Aalam Tuck Khaled), as well as Asahd Khaled and Aalam Khaled. He has also trademarked “Asahd Couture”. The trademarks for his children’s names are extensive. The trademark for his firstborn’s name, Asahd was registered in 2018 and is still pending approval, but if granted will apply to:

•  Fragrances; perfumes; non-medicated skin care preparations; skin creams; skin lotions, skin moisturizers; hair care preparations; shampoos; hair conditioners; non-medicated soaps; antiperspirants and deodorants for personal use; baby oil; baby wipes; bath gels; bubble bath; lip balm; non-medicated mouthwash; sun block preparations; non-medicated sun care preparations; toothpaste
• Knives, forks, and spoons being tableware
• DVDs, CDs, and audio and visual sound recordings featuring musical performances; musical sound recordings; musical video recordings; cases and covers for mobile phones, laptops, and tablet computers; computer application software for mobile phones, handheld computers, and other digital electronic devices for use in downloading music, ring tones, and video games; eyewear, eyeglass cases
• Children’s car seats; booster seats for use in vehicles
• Stationery; greeting cards; drawing pads; picture books; writing or drawing books; printed music books; coloring books; sticker books; story books; children’s books; children’s activity books; pens, pencils, crayons; arts and crafts paint kits; arts and crafts paper kits; arts and crafts clay kits
• Backpacks, book bags, suitcases, luggage
• Furniture; tables
• Lunch boxes; toothbrushes
• Bed linen; household linen; bed blankets; comforters; bed sheets; bath linen; towels; blanket throws; children’s blankets; pillowcases; textile place mats; table napkins of textile; throws; face cloths; window curtains; shower curtains; sleeping bags
• Clothing, namely, shirts, t-shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, jeans, slacks, belts, hats, caps, gloves, ear muffs, headwear, neckwear, sweaters, fleece pullovers, jogging suits, warm-up suits, coats, jackets, scarves, socks, pajamas, sleepwear, undergarments, bathing suits, bathrobes, beachwear, shorts, bandanas, gym shorts; footwear; athletic footwear; sandals; flip flops
• Basketballs, baseballs, footballs, kick balls, rubber balls, beach balls, handballs, tennis balls, racquet balls, soccer balls, and sports balls; inflatable pool toys; plush toys; board games; stuffed dolls and animals; ride-on toys; rideable toy vehicles; toy action figures and accessories therefor
• Dried fruit-based snacks; dairy-based powder for making dairy shakes
• Granola snacks; cereal-based snack foods; snack cakes; breakfast cereals; cereal bars; crackers; mints for breath freshening
• Fruit juices; fruit juice beverages; drinking water
• Online retail store services featuring music, musical recordings, motion pictures, clothing and clothing accessories, and novelty items; entertainment marketing services, namely, marketing, promotion, and advertising for recording and performing artists; retail store services featuring clothing, headwear, footwear, toys, plush, games, activities, dolls, candy, bags, bedding, towels, blankets, figurines, sporting goods, electronics, videos, books, music, prints, frames, jewelry, watches, decorations, stationery, crafts, drinkware, tableware, personal care items, gift items and souvenirs and related accessories
• entertainment services in the nature of live musical performances; production of motion picture films, fan clubs; publishing of books, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, music, and illustrations; record production; audio recording and production; entertainment services by a musical artist and producer, namely, musical composition for others and production of musical sound recordings; production of television programs; entertainment services in the nature of ongoing television programs in the field of children’s entertainment, fashion, music, dance, and sports; production of sound and music video recordings

Aalam Tuck Khaled 

Khaled has covered the same items under the trademark for his second son’s name, however, the full name covers slightly different goods and services. The trademark for the full name of his second son, Aalam Tuck Khaled is also still pending after being registered in 2022, but if granted will apply to: 

• Fragrances; perfumes; cosmetics; non-medicated skin care preparations; skin creams; skin lotions, skin moisturizers; hair care preparations; shampoos; hair conditioners; non-medicated soaps; essential oils; aftershave lotions; antiperspirants and deodorants for personal use; baby oil; baby wipes impregnated with cleaning preparations; bath gels; bubble bath; room fragrancing preparations; lip balm; non-medicated mouthwash; nail care preparations; nail polish; talcum powder; sun block preparations; non-medicated sun care preparations; toothpaste
• Bandages for skin wounds; first aid kits; baby food; nutritional supplements, vitamins for children
• Knives, forks, and spoons being tableware
• DVDs, CDs, and audio and visual sound recordings featuring musical performances; musical sound recordings; musical video recordings; downloadable computer game software via a global computer network or wireless devices; portable media players, and handheld computers for use in downloading music, ring tones, and video games; tablet computers, cellular phones, laptops, portable media players, handheld computers; cases and covers for mobile phones, laptops, and tablet computers; computer application software for mobile phones, handheld computers, and other digital electronic devices for use in downloading music, ring tones, and video games; decorative magnets, eyewear, eyeglass cases; computer bags
• Baby teething rings; pacifiers for babies; pacifier clips; pacifier cloth for attachment to infant pacifiers; baby bottles; nipples for baby bottles; disposable liners for baby bottles
• baby carriages, baby strollers; children’s car seats; booster seats for use in vehicles; push scooters; electrically powered motor scooters
• Jewelry; precious metals and their alloys and goods of precious metals or coated therewith, namely, boxes, jewelry charms, charms for key rings, key rings, figures, figurines, holiday ornaments, jewelry cases, key chains, ornamental lapel pins; watches; clocks; horological and chronometric instruments; alarm clocks; jewel cases of precious metal; jewelry chains; necktie fasteners; non-monetary coins; stopwatches; tie clips; tie pins; watch straps; watch cases being cases adapted for holding watches; watch cases being parts of watches; watch chains; jewelry boxes
• Books in the field of music, motion pictures, and musical performers; photographs; posters; baby books; stickers; print materials, namely, art prints, color prints, concert programs, calendars, postcards; gift bags; paper flags; trading cards other than for games; paper baby bibs; stationery; greeting cards; drawing pads; picture books; writing or drawing books; printed music books; coloring books; sticker books; story books; children’s books; children’s activity books; coasters made of paper; paper placemats; paper napkins; party ornaments of paper; paper party decorations; paper party bags; pens, pencils, crayons; arts and crafts paint kits; arts and crafts paper kits; arts and crafts clay kits; plastic name badges being decorative articles
• Bags, namely, tote bags, beach bags, handbags, diaper bags, baby carriers worn on the body, pouch baby carriers, overnight bags; duffle bags; travel bags; sports bags; all-purpose carrying bags; backpacks, book bags, suitcases, luggage; leather cases, leather bags, and wallets, leather purses, leather billfolds, leather key cases; umbrellas; leather key holders being key cases
• Picture frames; baby bouncers, baby changing mats, baby changing tables, high chairs for babies, playpens for babies; cribs; rocking chairs; furniture; non-metal step stools; party ornaments of plastic; figurines and statuettes made of plaster, plastic, wax, or wood; plastic novelty license plates; plastic cake decorations; tables; toy boxes; umbrella stands; mirrors, non-Christmas ornaments made of plaster, plastic, wax or wood
• Mugs; beverage glassware; plastic water bottles sold empty; dishes; bowls; cups; hair combs; baby bathtubs; drinking cups for babies; plastic and vinyl placemats; lunch boxes; toothbrushes
• Banners of cloth and nylon; cloth flags, nylon flags; towels; baby bedding, namely, bundle bags, swaddling blankets, crib bumpers, fitted crib sheets, crib skirts, crib blankets; baby blankets; bed linen; household linen; bed blankets; comforters; bed sheets; bath linen; towels; blanket throws; children’s blankets; textile handkerchiefs; hooded towels; kitchen towels; pillowcases; quilts; silk blankets; table linen; table napkins of textile; textile place mats; table napkins of textile; throws; face cloths; window curtains; shower curtains
• Clothing, namely, shirts, T-shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, jeans, slacks, belts, hats, caps being headwear, gloves, ear muffs, headwear, neckwear, sweaters, fleece pullovers, jogging suits, warm-up suits, coats, jackets, scarves, bodysuits, socks, pajamas, sleepwear, undergarments, bathing suits, bathrobes, beachwear, shorts, bandanas, Halloween costumes, gym shorts, ski wear, sun visors being headwear, suspenders, turtlenecks, and vests; footwear; athletic footwear; boots; sandals; flip flops; cloth bibs; costumes for use in children’s dress up play
• Hair accessories, namely, hair ties, hair scrunchies, barrettes, hair bands, hair bows, hair clips, hair pins, hair ribbons, ponytail holders; novelty buttons; hair accessories, namely, electric hair-curlers, other than hand implements
• Playing cards; basketballs, baseballs, footballs, kick balls, rubber balls, beach balls, handballs, tennis balls, racquet balls, soccer balls, and sports balls; dolls, baby multiple activity toys, baby rattles, baby swings; infant toys; bath toys; water toys; inflatable pool toys; plush toys; board games; stuffed dolls and animals; ride-on toys; rideable toy vehicles; paper party favors; party favors in the nature of small toys; toy action figures and accessories therefor; darts; puzzles; inflatable inner tubes for aquatic recreational use; water wings; paper party hats
• Shakes; dried fruit-based snacks; dairy-based powder for making dairy shakes
• Granola snacks; cereal-based snack foods; snack cakes; breakfast cereals; cereal bars; cakes; cupcakes; bread; biscuits; crackers
• Fruit juices; fruit juice beverages; drinking water; carbonated water; non-alcoholic carbonated beverages
• Product merchandising for others; online retail store services featuring music, musical recordings, motion pictures, clothing and clothing accessories, and novelty items; entertainment marketing services, namely, marketing, promotion, and advertising for recording and performing artists; retail store services featuring clothing, headwear, footwear, toys, plush, games, activities, dolls, candy, bags, bedding, towels, blankets, figurines, sporting goods, electronics, videos, books, music, prints, frames, jewelry, watches, decorations, stationery, crafts, drinkware, tableware, personal care items, gift items and souvenirs and related accessories
• Entertainment services, namely, providing online video games, dance events by a recording artist, multimedia production services; entertainment services in the nature of live musical performances; production of motion picture films, fan clubs; publishing of books, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, music, and illustrations; record production; audio recording and production; entertainment services by a musical artist and producer, namely, musical composition for others and production of musical sound recordings; production of television programs; entertainment services in the nature of ongoing television programs in the field of children’s entertainment, fashion, music, dance and sports; providing information, news, and commentary in the field of entertainment; production of sound and music video recordings; providing a website featuring entertainment information, blogs and reviews in the fields of fashion, music, dance, sports, and children’s entertainment activities

Wrapping up

As a globally-recognized rap star with twelve albums and several awards to his name, it’s surprising that DJ Khaled only has 21 trademarks registered with USPTO. Seven of these trademarks are related to his children’s names. Khaled has trademarked several phrases, but hasn’t trademarked many of his album names or song titles, and also hasn’t covered much merchandise such as clothing. He has also hardly covered anything with the trademark of his name, not even merchandise. His most recent trademarks for his children’s names perhaps show that he starting to realize the importance of registering his IP and assets with USPTO and there will be more to come in the future. Trademarking can save you millions of dollars, time spent in legal battles, and future headaches. As someone with a net worth of $75 million, there’s a lot more he could be doing to protect himself.