Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Can You Trademark Your Name?

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: November 20, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

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.

Trademark

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. 

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress post image

Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress

The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]

Author: Brian D. Spector

Link to post with title - "Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress"
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them post image

Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them

Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]

Author: Christopher D. Warren

Link to post with title - "Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them"
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox post image

President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox

On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]

Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh

Link to post with title - "President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox"
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide post image

How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]

Author: Christopher D. Warren

Link to post with title - "How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide"

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!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!