10 Everyday Things You Didn’t Know Were Trademarked
In this world, coming up with a brilliant idea can feel like striking gold. But with that excitement comes a harsh reality: someone else is probably going to try and steal it. It’s unfortunate but true. So, what can you do to protect yourself and your creativity? The answer could be simple—copyrights or trademarks.
By securing a trademark or copyright, you can safeguard your hard work before someone else has a chance to claim it as their own. If you do find yourself in a situation where someone has stolen your idea, having a trademark can be your ticket to court. With the right legal protections, you can stop them from using your idea or even sue for damages.
If you’re not familiar with the process of filing for trademarks, you might be surprised to learn just how many exist out there—and just what kinds of things have been trademarked. Some of the examples are surprisingly odd, showcasing the quirky side of intellectual property law. Trademarks don’t just cover obvious products or logos; they can extend to almost anything that is tied to a business or product.
10. The Surprising Truth About the ‘Superhero’ Trademark: A Marvel and DC Joint Venture
The superhero genre has taken the world by storm. It’s huge, with its influence spreading far and wide across the entertainment landscape. While there was a bit of a backlash against it in the early 2020s, the numbers don’t lie. The superhero genre remains a dominant force, with many of the highest-grossing films of all time belonging to this category. In fact, Marvel and DC, the two giants in the superhero realm, have amassed nearly $40 billion together at the box office. That’s an astronomical figure that speaks volumes about the popularity and success of superheroes.
When we think of Marvel and DC, most people immediately recognize them as fierce competitors. And it’s true – there’s been a long-standing rivalry between these two companies. Over the years, they’ve shared writers and artists, creating a somewhat fluid exchange of creative talent. This has led to some interesting situations where certain characters seem to have a suspicious resemblance to each other, as if one company might have copied from the other. It’s all part of the complex and often competitive relationship between these two comic book powerhouses.
However, here’s something you might not know – Marvel and DC have actually teamed up on occasion. We’re not just talking about the occasional crossover in the comics, where you might see Hulk and Superman going head-to-head in a thrilling battle. These crossovers are a lot of fun for fans and add an extra layer of excitement to the superhero universe. But what’s even more surprising is that they’ve also joined forces behind the scenes in a rather unexpected way – by trademarking the term “superhero.”
Yes, you heard that right. In the United States, anyone who uses the term “superhero,” “super hero,” or any derivative of those terms runs the risk of getting sued. That’s because Marvel and DC jointly own this trademark. It’s not every day that two companies hold the same trademark, but in this case, it makes sense. They realized that since they’re both in the same business of creating and promoting superhero characters, neither of them would likely succeed if they tried to claim the term exclusively. It would just lead to a never-ending legal battle that would benefit no one.
Interestingly, neither Marvel nor DC is particularly consistent when it comes to enforcing their trademark rights. There are many companies out there that use these terms without a care in the world, and for some reason, they seem to get away with it. Maybe it’s because the publishers don’t see it as a significant threat, or perhaps they have other priorities. On the other hand, there are also cases where companies have been shut down by lawyers acting on behalf of Marvel or DC. It seems to be a bit of a hit-or-miss situation, leaving many people scratching their heads about what exactly is allowed and what isn’t.
9. Darth Vader’s Breathing: A Trademarked Sound
Star Wars is more than just a movie franchise—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has only grown since its debut in the 1970s. Today, the Star Wars universe includes films, TV shows, animated series, video games, toys, Lego sets, and even things like SpaghettiOs. The franchise is absolutely everywhere, and with its massive success—valued at around $65 billion—you can bet that everything is tightly secured with trademarks.
While the obvious things like character names and images are trademarked, Star Wars goes much further. Take Darth Vader, for instance. He’s not just famous for his menacing look or iconic lines—his breathing is trademarked too. Yes, that’s right. The sound of his heavy, mechanical breathing, which was created using a scuba tank regulator, has been officially trademarked by Lucasfilm. This means that no one can legally use that specific sound in their work without getting permission.
Trademarking a sound isn’t as strange as it might seem. As long as the sound is distinctive, it can be protected. For example, the famous “dun dun” sound from Law & Order, the roar of the MGM lion, and even Tarzan’s unique yell are all trademarked. These sounds are instantly recognizable and tied to their respective brands, making them valuable intellectual property.
8. The Surprising Trademark of Play-Doh’s Scent
You might have heard of trademarks protecting things like logos, names, and even sounds. But did you know that a scent can also be trademarked? This is exactly what the makers of Play-Doh did, claiming the unique and unmistakable odor of their modeling compound as their own.
Now, you might wonder, what does Play-Doh smell like? Well, the company describes it as a blend of “a sweet, slightly musky, vanilla-like fragrance, with slight overtones of cherry, and the natural smell of a salted, wheat-based dough.” Sounds quite descriptive, right? But whether you agree with this description or not is subjective and up to you.
Back in 2018, Hasbro, the company behind Play-Doh, managed to trademark this distinct smell. This wasn’t an isolated case, though. Surprisingly, there are many other seemingly odd trademarks when it comes to scents. Strawberry-scented toothbrushes, bubblegum-scented flip flops, and even a “flowery musk” smell in electronics stores have also been trademarked.
It’s quite fascinating, isn’t it? Trademarks are usually associated with things that are visual or auditory, but the fact that a smell can be trademarked too shows how expansive intellectual property laws have become. So, the next time you open a can of Play-Doh and are hit with that familiar scent, just remember that it’s a scent that’s legally protected!
And who knows? Maybe in the future, we’ll see more and more scents being trademarked, adding a whole new dimension to the world of intellectual property.
7. The Distinction Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor: The Trademark Matters
When it comes to buying or selling property, the expertise of a real estate agent is often indispensable. These professionals are readily available online, and in just about any town, you’ll find an ample number ready to assist you. However, the term “real estate agent” is not interchangeable with “Realtor,” despite how often we might use them synonymously.
Realtor is a trademarked word, owned by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Becoming a Realtor is not as simple as just hanging out a shingle; it involves a more rigorous process. Agents must become members of the NAR, pass a test on a strict code of ethics, and only then can they access a wider array of resources to bolster their business. This membership is a mark of additional commitment and credibility in the industry.
Moreover, it’s important to note the proper usage of the term “Realtor.” It’s not just a fancy way to say “real estate agent”; it’s a proper noun and should always be capitalized. Despite this, it’s common to see it used in lowercase, which is incorrect.
The NAR is very protective of its trademark. They invest significant effort into ensuring that “Realtor” does not become a generic term like “Kleenex” or “Xerox.” If this were to happen, it would lose its unique meaning and significance. By maintaining its trademark status, the NAR ensures that those who call themselves Realtors truly meet a certain standard within the industry.
6. Pitbull Trademarked His Signature “Eeeeeyoooo” Yell
If you’re a fan of Pitbull, the musical icon from Florida, then you’re probably familiar with his distinctive yell—a signature sound that’s become his trademark over the years. Much like Tarzan’s legendary call, Pitbull’s grito (as it’s known) is instantly recognizable, and it’s something that sets him apart in the music world.
In a rather unexpected move, Pitbull successfully filed for trademark protection for his iconic “Eeeeeyoooo” yell. His argument? The sound is so uniquely tied to him that even if he’s not physically present, hearing it would immediately remind fans of him. It’s that distinctive.
Interestingly, Pitbull’s yell is one of fewer than 40 sounds ever to be granted a trademark claim. This makes it a significant achievement in the world of intellectual property, as it’s not every day that a sound gets recognized and protected under trademark law. Now, if you hear that famous “Eeeeeyoooo” yell, you’ll know it’s more than just a catchy vocalization—it’s legally protected!
5. Taco Tuesday: From Trademark to Cultural Phenomenon (Until 2023)
Tacos are undeniably a beloved food, and for good reason—they’re absolutely delicious! Among the many taco-related traditions, Taco Tuesday stands out as an unofficial event that has captured the hearts of people across America. It’s even been immortalized in pop culture, thanks to a memorable LeBron James clip where the basketball superstar simply yells “Taco Tuesday!” The phrase has become so ingrained in our lexicon that it even has its own Wikipedia page.
What many taco enthusiasts may not realize is that Taco Tuesday wasn’t just a spontaneous, alliterative creation. In fact, it was a carefully orchestrated marketing strategy by Taco John’s, which trademarked the phrase back in 1989. The company saw an opportunity to capitalize on the idea of enjoying tacos on a Tuesday and took steps to secure its claim.
However, despite being the original trademark holder, Taco John’s struggled to maintain control over the phrase. Over the years, the concept of Taco Tuesday gained widespread popularity, and the trademark became difficult to enforce. Recognizing the challenge, Taco John’s eventually relinquished the trademark after Taco Bell campaigned to make “Taco Tuesday” a free phrase, arguing that its common usage had made it a part of the public domain.
Interestingly, there was one notable exception: New Jersey. Taco John’s had maintained the trademark in every state except New Jersey, where restaurateur Gregory Gregory (yes, that’s really his name) held onto it. Gregory was a staunch defender of the trademark, stating that he would never give it up and even planned to pass it on to his grandson. However, in a surprising turn of events, Gregory finally relinquished the trademark three months after Taco John’s had given it up.
The irony? Gregory reportedly doesn’t even like tacos and had long been vocal about his intention to keep the trademark. Whatever motivated him to change his mind remains a mystery, but one thing is clear: Taco Tuesday has officially entered the public domain, becoming a cultural phenomenon that belongs to everyone.
4. The Grammy Trophy is Made from a Trademarked Alloy Called Grammium
Every year, the Grammy Awards bring together some of the biggest names in music, where fans either cheer for their favorite artist’s win or grumble about how the Grammys don’t mean anything if their preferred artist doesn’t take home the gold. Whether you love it or hate it, the event has become a staple in the entertainment world.
For those still invested in the awards, the ultimate prize is the Grammy trophy—a small golden statue that winners proudly display on their mantels. The name “Grammy” comes from the fact that the trophy is designed to resemble a tiny gramophone, a musical device that most modern music lovers may only recognize from vintage photos, as it’s long been replaced by more modern technology.
But despite its gold appearance, the Grammy trophy is not made of solid gold. Instead, it’s crafted from a special alloy called Grammium, a custom metal blend that the Grammy Association has trademarked to ensure no one else can make their own version of the iconic award. The alloy is a mix of zinc and aluminum, and it’s coated with 24k gold once the trophy is formed. The horn portion of the gramophone is made from brass.
If you were ever to find one of these statues and wonder about its monetary value, you might be disappointed to know that the Grammy itself doesn’t have much worth beyond its symbolic value. In fact, it’s been estimated that it costs around $15 to make each trophy. But even if it’s not worth a fortune, the Grammy trophy holds immense prestige in the music world, making it priceless to those who receive one.
3. Bubble Wrap: The Trademarked Name Behind the Popping Pleasure
Let’s face it—bubble wrap is a household name. Almost everyone, from kids to adults, has experienced the simple joy of popping those tiny air pockets. This versatile plastic sheet, filled with air bubbles, has been a go-to for packaging and protecting items for decades. But here’s a fun fact that might surprise you: bubble wrap is not just a generic term; it’s actually a trademarked name.
The term “bubble wrap” is the registered trademark for a specific type of packaging material known as “Cellular Cushioning Packaging Material which Contains Entrapped Bubbles of Air or Other Gases.” This distinction might seem trivial, but it highlights an interesting aspect of intellectual property law.
The trademark for bubble wrap was first filed in the 1960s by the Sealed Air Corporation. Initially, it was meant to protect the brand’s unique product. However, over time, the name “bubble wrap” became so widely used and recognized that it transcended its original trademarked status. Today, it’s often used as a generic term for any similar type of packaging material, regardless of the manufacturer.
This phenomenon isn’t unique to bubble wrap. We’ve seen similar cases with other well-known brands like Kleenex, aspirin, and jet ski. These terms were once trademarked but have since become so ingrained in our everyday language that they’ve lost their exclusive association with the original brands. When a trademarked term becomes too common, it risks losing its trademark protection—a process known as “genericide.”
For bubble wrap, the transition from a trademarked name to a generic term is a testament to its widespread popularity and utility. It’s a product that has truly become a part of our cultural lexicon. So, the next time you find yourself popping those bubbles, remember that you’re interacting with a product that started with a specific brand name—and a clever trademark.
In essence, bubble wrap is more than just a packaging material; it’s a symbol of how language and branding evolve over time. And while the trademark might no longer be as strictly enforced, the name “bubble wrap” will always be associated with that satisfying pop!
2. 7-Eleven Owns the Term “Brainfreeze”
Anyone who’s ever enjoyed a 7-Eleven Slurpee knows that these frozen drinks are not only refreshing but come with a rather painful side effect—brainfreeze. Drink too quickly, and the cold from the Slurpee can hit your brain, causing a sharp headache that feels like your head is about to explode. Thankfully, this sensation usually fades in a minute or so, and you’re back to sipping your Slurpee at breakneck speed.
Also known as a cold headache, brainfreeze happens when the capillaries in your sinus area rapidly constrict due to the cold, causing a quick, sharp pain. While it can be intensely uncomfortable for some, many find it to be an oddly fun experience, similar to the fleeting burn from eating too much hot sauce before you reach for another bite.
For 7-Eleven, this phenomenon turned out to be a brilliant marketing opportunity. The company took it a step further and trademarked the term “brainfreeze.” Despite the fact that both Slurpee and brainfreeze have become so common that they’re almost used generically, 7-Eleven holds the rights to both terms. So, the next time you experience that sudden head-pounding cold pain, remember—it’s officially a 7-Eleven trademark.
1. Billy Joel and Yoko Ono: The Power of Celebrity Trademarks
When you hear the name “Tom Cruise” or “Jennifer Lawrence,” there’s no doubt in your mind who they are. That’s the power of celebrity—a name that instantly evokes a persona, a body of work, and a legacy. But for some celebrities, their name is more than just a calling card; it’s an asset they want to protect. Enter the world of celebrity trademarks, where names and even signatures become legally protected properties.
Take Billy Joel, for example. The legendary musician has trademarked his own name. Yes, you read that right—Billy Joel is a registered trademark. This means that Joel has exclusive rights to use his name in a variety of contexts, from merchandise and print materials to music and other products. The trademark ensures that no one can use his name without his permission, safeguarding his brand and reputation.
But it doesn’t stop there. Celebrities can also lay claim to the names or signatures of others under certain circumstances. One notable example is Yoko Ono, who owns the trademark to John Lennon’s signature. This means that if you want to use Lennon’s iconic autograph on anything—be it a T-shirt, a poster, or a coffee mug—you’ll have to go through Ono first. Unlike Joel’s trademark, which covers his standard typeset name, Ono’s trademark specifically protects Lennon’s handwritten signature, making it illegal to reproduce it on retail products without her approval.
This level of trademark protection might seem extreme, but it makes sense in the world of celebrity branding. Names and signatures are more than just words or scribbles—they’re symbols of identity, talent, and cultural impact. For artists like Joel and Ono, protecting these symbols ensures that their legacies remain intact and that they maintain control over how their names and signatures are used.
