Athletes, celebrities and other well-known people have recognizable names. For this reason, other parties may try to profit from their likeness. In response, famous people may want to trademark their name, but is this possible?
If the Trademark Office views a name as “distinctive,” it can, in fact, be trademarked. Celebrities can hire an entertainment attorney to help begin the trademarking process. Of course, there are some exceptions. If a name is common, such as “John Smith,” the chances that it will be deemed distinctive are slim. The more unusual a name, the greater the chances that trademark registration will be granted.
Trademarking can be beneficial for celebrities in numerous instances. For example, Morgan Freeman wanted to purchase the domain name www.morganfreeman.com. However, it was being used by Mighty LLC. Freeman sent an application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and was granted the rights to the domain name because Mighty LLC was using it to divert Internet traffic to a commercial search engine.
In other instances, famous people may apply for a trademark to prevent other parties from profiting off their name. Texas A&M quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel is a good example, as his nickname “Johnny Football” surged in popularity during the 2012-13 college football season. To protect Manziel’s likeness, he and his family trademarked “Johnny Football” to ensure other parties couldn’t profit from selling merchandise using the nickname.
Jay Z and Beyonce took it a step further and applied for a trademark to protect their daughter’s name- Blue Ivy Carter. It may seem odd to trademark a child’s name, but Mr. and Mrs. Carter have the future on their minds. By submitting this application, it prevents anyone from selling products – clothes or kid products – using the name Blue Ivy Carter.
Do you have more questions about trademarking your name? Please, contact the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review
Most New Jersey business owners purchase insurance policies, file them away, and assume they are protected if a claim arises. Without a regular insurance coverage review, many companies discover gaps only after a lawsuit, cyberattack, property loss, or other significant event occurs. An annual insurance coverage review can help businesses identify potential risks, ensure their […]
Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)
Businesses and individuals often encounter situations where another party breaches a contract, fails to pay a debt, or continues harmful conduct. In many such disputes, a precisely drafted demand letter or cease-and-desist letter serves as a powerful legal tool. It can frequently resolve the dispute and avoid litigation. While demand or cease-and-desist letters can resolve […]
Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
