Can you trademark a common phrase?

Asked by: Prof. Elian Swift  |  Last update: June 7, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (17 votes)

Yes, you can trademark a common phrase, but it's difficult and requires proving the phrase has a "secondary meaning" – becoming uniquely associated with your brand, not just general language – and serves as a source identifier for your specific goods or services, meaning it must be distinctive, non-generic, and used commercially. Phrases that are merely descriptive, informational, or part of everyday language (like "as a matter of fact") usually get rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Can I trademark a common phrase?

Trademarking a common phrase can be challenging, as trademark law generally aims to protect distinctive and unique marks that can differentiate goods or services in the marketplace. Common phrases that are widely used and lack distinctiveness may be considered too generic to qualify for trademark protection.

What phrases can you not trademark?

What Words Cannot Be Trademarked?

  • Generic Terms. (Example: “Coffee” for a coffee shop) ...
  • Descriptive Terms Without Distinctiveness. (Example: “Best Miami Plumber”) ...
  • Geographically Descriptive Names. (Example: “Orlando Roofing Services”) ...
  • Surnames (Last Names) (Example: “Johnson Plumbing”) ...
  • Common Phrases or Industry Terms.

Can a catchy phrase be trademarked?

Yes, you can trademark a phrase, tagline, or catchphrase for your brand by registering it with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To qualify, your phrase must be distinctive, non-generic, and used in connection with commercial goods or services.

Is it worth trademarking a phrase?

Yes, it's almost always worth trademarking a distinctive phrase if it's central to your brand, granting you exclusive rights, preventing consumer confusion, and building brand recognition (like Nike's "Just Do It"), though it requires investment in searches, filing fees, and potential legal help to secure your intellectual property. 

How to Trademark a Phrase

21 related questions found

How expensive is it to trademark a phrase?

The cost to trademark a phrase is between from $250 to $350 per trademark class. This is the cost to submit your trademark application to the USPTO. The easiest way to submit an application to register your trademark is online, through the USPTO's Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).

Is it better to trademark or LLC?

An LLC protects personal assets from business liabilities (legal structure), while a trademark protects brand identity like names, logos, and slogans from copycats (intellectual property); they serve different roles, with an LLC forming the business foundation and a trademark safeguarding its brand, often used together for comprehensive business protection. Forming the LLC first offers a legal entity, but registering the trademark first secures brand rights earlier, with many recommending an availability search before either.
 

How do I trademark a catchphrase?

6 Steps to Trademark a Phrase

  1. Step 1 – Come Up With an Original and Unique Phrase. ...
  2. Step 2 – Make Sure Nobody Else is Using the Phrase. ...
  3. Step 3 – Choose the Appropriate Class and Filing-Bases For the Trademark. ...
  4. Step 4 – Consult With an Attorney. ...
  5. Step 5 – Submit a Trademark Application. ...
  6. Step 6 – Wait.

What phrases are not copyrighted?

The Copyright Office's regulations provide that “words and short phrases such as names, titles, and slogans” are not subject to copyright because they contain a de minimis amount of authorship.

What is the rule 37 of trademarks?

Further, Rule 37 of Trade Marks Rules, 2017 states that an applicant for registration of a trademark may, whether before or after acceptance of his application but before the registration of the trademark, apply in Form TM-M accompanied by the prescribed fee for the correction of any error in or in connection with his ...

What word did Kim Kardashian try to trademark?

Kim Kardashian is again brewing up a social media storm – this time over her application to trade mark the word “Kimono” for her new range of shapewear.

Do I need a lawyer for a trademark?

No, a U.S.-based applicant isn't legally required to use an attorney to file a trademark, but it's strongly recommended because the process is complex, and mistakes can lead to rejection or weak protection. An attorney handles crucial tasks like trademark clearance searches, class selection, responding to Office Actions, and ensuring proper legal arguments, significantly increasing the chances of approval and providing better overall protection, though foreign applicants must use a U.S.-licensed lawyer. 

Can you make money by trademarking a phrase?

Is it really possible to make real money with trademarks? Of course it is! You can ask the owner of the phrase “Let's get Ready to Rumble” who has made well over $400 million in licensing revenue according to ABC. And there are countless other companies, brands, and entrepreneurs that profit from trademarks.

Can a common phrase be copyrighted?

Common phrases or proverbs are typically not copyrighted. However, specific expressions, especially from popular media, might be protected under copyright law. There are several tools and databases available that can help you check if a phrase is copyrighted.

What quotes can I legally use?

You DON'T need permission:

To use quotes from famous people as long as they are used in a brief and positive or neutral way to support your independent work - and with prop- er attribution. To quote or reference the title or author of a work such as books, poems, movies, TV shows or songs.

What phrases are trademarked?

6 Trademarked Famous Catchphrases

  • “You're Fired!”
  • 2. “ Hasta la Vista Baby”
  • 3. “ Ancient Chinese Secret”
  • 4. “ BANANAS”
  • “Let's Get Ready to Rumble!”
  • 6. “ That's Hot”
  • Learn more about our Translation Services and our Legal Translation services!
  • About Language Connections:

Is it worth it to trademark a phrase?

Yes, it's almost always worth trademarking a distinctive phrase if it's central to your brand, granting you exclusive rights, preventing consumer confusion, and building brand recognition (like Nike's "Just Do It"), though it requires investment in searches, filing fees, and potential legal help to secure your intellectual property. 

Is a catchphrase a trademark?

Catch phrases can be trademarked if they are used as a brand identifier for a product or service. The words themselves cannot be trademarked on their own unless they are used within commerce.

What are common trademark mistakes?

Common trademarking mistakes include, but are not limited to: Poor choice of brand name. Your business name should resonate with your target customer and express what you do using a strong, memorable image or word. Failing to perform a complete search of trademark databases.

What is stronger, TM or R?

Legal Protection: The ® symbol provides stronger legal protection than ™. It gives you the right to sue for trademark infringement if someone else tries to use your registered trademark without permission.

What names to avoid for LLC?

You should avoid LLC names that are misleading, include restricted words like "bank" or "insurance" (unless licensed), contain offensive language or suggest illegal activity, are too similar to existing trademarks, imply professional licensing you don't have (like "CPA"), or use overused clichés (like "Apex" or "Pinnacle"). Always check your state's specific rules and ensure the name isn't already registered or trademarked. 

What are the disadvantages of a trademark?

Some of these disadvantages include that:

  • you cannot alter trade mark classes;
  • litigation can be difficult;
  • trade marks require renewal every 10 years;
  • there are limitations to what your trade mark protects; and.
  • your trade mark is at risk of becoming genericised.