Can I Trademark an Idiom?
Yes, you can trademark an idiom, provided you utilize that idiom as the name or slogan associated with your goods or services.
For example, “BREAK A LEG!” is a registered trademark for restaurant services. Trademarking an idiom functions exactly the same as trademarking a slogan. In order to trademark an idiom, you will have to prove to the United States Patent and Trademark Office that you are using the idiom to distinguish your products and services from a competitor’s products.
The protections granted by a trademark will not prevent a trademarked idiom from being used by the general population. A trademark’s protection specifically prevents competitors within the same field or market from using the slogan, as that would create confusion regarding the product’s point of origin.
If you wish to trademark an idiom, we advise you to contact our associates today to evaluate the protectability of your claim.