Can I say “Labor Day Sale” without getting in trouble? (Yes—if you do it this way.)


September 1, 2025

Hello Reader,

Problem: You want to run a big Labor Day Sale, but you’re worried: “Can I even say ‘Labor Day Sale’ without stepping on someone’s trademark?” You’ve seen special logos, catchy slogans, and lots of fancy art. You don’t want a scary letter in your inbox.

Short answer: You can almost always use simple holiday words like “Labor Day Sale,” “Labor Day Weekend,” or “Labor Day Savings.” Those are common phrases many stores use to tell shoppers about a time-limited event. But there are some easy rules to keep you safe.

The simple rule that keeps you safe

Use plain words to describe your event, and make your own brand name the star.

  • Safe: “[Your Brand] Labor Day Sale – 3 Days Only”
  • Safe: “Labor Day Weekend Savings at [Your Brand]
  • Safe: “[Your Brand] Labor Day Doorbusters

When you pair the holiday words with your brand, you’re telling the truth and not pretending to be anyone else.

What to avoid

Think of these as quick guardrails:

  1. Don’t copy someone’s special logo or art. If another business has a stylized “Labor Day” design or a unique slogan, don’t reuse it. Make your own simple look.
  2. Don’t use a mascot, seal, or badge that isn’t yours. That includes union or “Made in USA” certification marks you don’t have permission to use, or government seals.
  3. Don’t make your ad look like another store’s ad. Different colors, different layout, different words. Be you.
  4. Don’t try to “own” the words “Labor Day.” They describe a holiday. They are not your brand. Use them to describe your sale, not to replace your name.

How to write your ad the safe way (copy-and-paste)

  • Headline options
    • “Labor Day Sale at [Your Brand]
    • “Labor Day Weekend Savings – [Your Brand]
    • “End-of-Summer Labor Day Deals from [Your Brand]
  • Subhead options
    • “3 Days Only – Fri–Mon”
    • “Online & In-Store”
    • “While Supplies Last”
  • Call-outs
    • “Extra 10% off clearance”
    • “Free shipping on orders over $___”
    • “Buy 2, Get 1 Free (select items)”

Keep your brand name big and clear on every page, sign, and post.

Signs, emails, and posts: a quick checklist

  • Brand first. Put [Your Brand] at the top or near the top.
  • Plain words. “Labor Day Sale,” not a fancy borrowed logo.
  • Own artwork. Use your usual fonts, colors, and photos.
  • Truthful claims. Dates, prices, and limits should match what you can deliver.
  • Small print. Add the basics: “Restrictions apply. While supplies last. See store for details.”

What about hashtags and product pages?

  • Hashtags: “#LaborDaySale” is fine. It’s just a topic tag.
  • Product pages: Use the holiday words to describe the sale, not the product name. Your products should carry your brand, not “Labor Day” as the title.

A word about “special” Labor Day phrases

Some sellers file trademarks for unique slogans or art styles that include “Labor Day.” Your plain phrases like “Labor Day Sale” are still fine. Just don’t copy a unique slogan word-for-word or reuse someone’s distinctive logo/design. If a phrase sounds extra catchy or unusual, it may be someone’s mark. When in doubt, switch to a plain, clear version.

Real-world examples (what the USPTO tends to see)

  • Common, descriptive event phrases (like “Labor Day Sale”) are used by many businesses. These are okay for you to use in a descriptive way.
  • Stylized designs, unique taglines, or logo-like graphics can be registered by one company. Those are not okay to copy.

You shared a current list of “Labor Day”–related filings. That list is a helpful reminder: lots of folks file “Labor Day” phrases, but you stay safe by using plain words plus your brand, and by not copying special designs or slogans.

Problem solved (the quick plan)

  1. Make your brand big and clear.
  2. Use a plain headline: “Labor Day Sale.”
  3. Use your own art and colors.
  4. Keep claims truthful, dates tight, and add simple terms.
  5. If a phrase looks fancy and unique—and not like everyday wording—don’t copy it.

Do this, and you’ll say “Labor Day Sale” without trouble.

Keep Your Brand Safe and Protected,

J.J. Lee and the Trademark Lawyer Law Firm Team!

P.S. Happy selling—and happy Labor Day weekend!

J.J. Lee, Trademark Attorney

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