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ARTICLE · 15 DECEMBER 2022

Trade Mark Troubles: Celebrity Edition

Potter Clarkson LLP
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Like other businesses, celebrities seek to register trade marks to commercially exploit signs that are associated with them, and to prevent others from using or misusing these.

United KingdomIntellectual Property
Maria Muntean
Maria Muntean
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Trade marks are like other intellectual property assets: they bring undisputed value to a business' success. Celebrities, and the businesses behind them, are no different.

Like other businesses, celebrities seek to register trade marks to commercially exploit signs that are associated with them, and to prevent others from using or misusing these. Most recently, we've seen Mariah Carey's attempts to register protection for QUEEN OF CHRISTMAS, QOC and PRINCESS CHRISTMAS denied by the US registry.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL CELEBRITY TRADE MARK APPLICATION AND WHY DO SOME FAIL?

Personalities ranging from actors, singers and athletes routinely seek trade mark registrations, not only for their names but also for other signs that they believe are identified with them.

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