November 19, 2024 Hello Reader, I recently had a bit of a nostalgic moment—I saw a DeLorean, the famous car from Back to the Future. If you’ve seen the movie, you know it’s all about time travel and the importance of making the right decisions to protect your future. Seeing that iconic car reminded me how, in business, just like in the movie, the decisions we make today can have a lasting impact on the future of our brands. In Back to the Future, Marty McFly had to fix the past to ensure a...

November 18, 2024 Hello Reader, I often get the question: “What else can be trademarked other than words, logos, and slogans?” It’s a great question because trademark protection actually extends beyond those basics. Here’s a quick overview of some other elements that can be trademarked: Sounds: Think of the famous NBC chimes or the roar of the MGM lion. Unique sounds that represent your brand can be trademarked. Colors: Some brands are instantly recognized by their signature color, like the...

November 11, 2024 Hello Reader, A client asked about the possibility of trademarking a domain name. The answer is yes, but it depends on how you're using the name. To trademark a domain name, it needs to function as more than just a website address—it has to act as a brand that people recognize. For example, a domain like "Amazon.com" is more than just an address; it represents the company itself, which makes it eligible for trademark protection. The U.S. Supreme Court made an important...