Last year, Pharrell Williams attempted to trademark his company name “I Am Other.”
In response, Will.i.Am filed a trademark lawsuit, claiming Pharrell Williams company name is too similar to his i.am+ product and that it could be confusing, as both artists are signed to the same record label and make similar music.
The two have since settled the lawsuit, but it brings up an interesting question, what does a celebrity need to do in order to trademark a business?
Trademarking a Business
The process is pretty straightforward and an application can generally be completed online in less than 90 minutes, according to The Wall Street Journal. The simplest place to go is the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Web site, www.uspto.gov. It generally costs between $275 and $325.
However, just because filling out an application is easy doesn’t mean it will be approved. In fact, it is best to browse the Trademark Electronic Search System database prior to doing anything to find out if another company has already registered a similar trademark. In the above case, Pharrell could have found that Will.i.Am had trademarked his product line with a similar name. If the chosen mark is already in use, the application will be rejected.
There could be some hurdles based upon what the name is that’s being trademarked. For example, it would be very difficult to trademark a business name that is a common phrase. The Wall Street Journal gives two examples of businesses that probably would be rejected – “The Ice Cream Shop” and “We Sell Plants.”
Celebrities looking to trademark a business venture as well as those concerned about the possibility of it being similar to something else may want to seek the advice of an attorney.
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies
Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]
What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
Being served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful legal events a business or individual can face. Whether the claim involves a contract dispute, an employment matter, an intellectual property issue, or another legal challenge, the actions you take in the first few days can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Acting […]
Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) continue to gain momentum as we move through 2026. After enduring a significant contraction following the 2021 boom and the regulatory scrutiny that followed, SPAC activity rebounded sharply in 2025 and now carries forward into 2026 with real momentum. The SPAC resurgence reflects broader improvements in both market conditions and the […]
Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses
Compliance programs are no longer judged by how they look on paper, but by how they function in the real world. Compliance monitoring is the ongoing process of reviewing, testing, and evaluating whether policies, procedures, and controls are being followed—and whether they are actually working. What Is Compliance Monitoring? In today’s heightened regulatory environment, compliance […]
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Commercial real estate trends in 2026 are being shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological innovation, and evolving tenant demands. As the market adjusts to changing interest rates, capital flows, and workplace models, investors, owners, tenants, and developers must understand how these trends are influencing opportunities and risk in the year ahead. Overall Outlook for Commercial […]
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!
