Can you trademark a mascot?
Yes, you can trademark a mascot. You can trademark the name or image of a mascot, so long as you use the image of the mascot to promote or sell your products or services to the public.
For example, “PHILLIE PHANATIC" (the official mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team) is a registered trademark. You may also place the likeness or image of the mascot on a logo and trademark the logo for additional protection. In order for a mascot to be trademarked, it must be distinct from all other mascots, and it must be associated with your particular products or services.
Creating a mascot can be an important part of solidifying your brand identity; as such, it is important to ensure that your mascot is unique and protected with a trademark. Trademarking your mascot will prevent any competitors from utilizing a similar mascot, and it will provide you with legal recourse should any competitors attempt to use a similar mascot.
If you have any questions regarding trademarking the name or image of a mascot, contact us today to speak with a licensed trademark attorney.