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
The NASA logo has gone through several changes. In fact, one of its designs came back after decades of retirement. Two of its best-known logos, affectionately known as the “meatball” and the “worm,” symbolize the optimism that underlies the positive view most people have of NASA. A Moon and a Meatball The 1969 moon landing … Read more
Justice is blind, at least theoretically. Frequently we see big-guy versus little-guy cases end overwhelmingly in favor of the big-guy due to sophisticated legal tactics utilized by teams of lawyers. In the face of such resources, it’s easy to understand why David toppling Goliath was the upset of the millennium. But even with such scenarios, … Read more
The phrase, “Where’s the beef?” has become an indelible part of our culture. It has appeared in TV shows, popular songs, games and even a presidential debate. It all began when a fast food company wanted to shake up its advertising. History of Wendy’s Dave Thomas was born in Atlantic City but moved around the … Read more
McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it” is the fast food company’s longest-running marketing campaign. The well-known, five-syllable jingle that accompanies it is as popular as some radio hits. There’s a reason for that popularity, as you’ll see when you read the fascinating history of this well-known slogan. Brief History of McDonald’s The story of McDonald’s is almost … Read more