What sayings are trademarked?

Asked by: scraper  |  Last update: September 4, 2026
Score: 0/5 (0 votes)

You can legally trademark a phrase, tagline, or catchphrase to protect your brand identity. To qualify, the phrase must be distinctive (not generic), used commercially as a source identifier for goods or services, and not conflict with existing trademarks.

What are some trademarked phrases?

Trademarked phrases protect brand slogans, catchphrases, or mottos by legally preventing competitors from using them for similar goods or services. To be eligible, a phrase must be distinctive (not merely descriptive) and serve as an identifier for the source of your products.

Can you make money by trademarking a phrase?

Once you've come up with a creative name, logo, and slogan and they are federally registered, you now are ready to monetize your trademarks. Options include: Licensing your trademark and allowing another company to use it for particular goods and services. Trademark licensing is fairly common.

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.

What sayings are copyrighted?

Individual words, slogans, titles, and short phrases cannot be copyrighted. They do not possess enough creative expression to qualify for copyright law. Instead, short phrases, brand names, and catchphrases can be protected as trademarks if they identify the source of goods or services.

How to Trademark a Phrase

24 related questions found

How can I tell if a phrase is trademarked?

To check if a phrase is trademarked, start by searching the official USPTO Trademark Search System database to check for active federal registrations or pending applications.

What phrases are not copyrighted?

According to 37 C.F.R. §202.1(a), the following are not subject to copyright: “Words and short phrases such as names, titles, and slogans; familiar symbols or designs; mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering or coloring; mere listing of ingredients or contents.”

Is it worth trademarking a phrase?

Is it Worth it to Trademark a Phrase? If you are using a catch phrase, tag line, or sales line with your goods or services, then yes, it is almost always worth it to trademark that phrase if it is available.

What are the three things not protected by copyright?

Under U.S. copyright law, copyright protects the specific expression of a work but does not extend to its foundational elements, functional uses, or publicly available information. Three prominent categories of items that are not protected by copyright are:

Did Taylor Swift trademark her name?

Yes, Taylor Swift has extensively trademarked her name. She first applied to trademark "Taylor Swift" in 2007 and has since secured dozens of trademarks protecting her full name, the name "Swift," and her signature across various merchandise categories (like clothing, jewelry, and instruments).

Is it expensive to trademark a saying?

The trademark cost in California can vary depending on whether you choose to file with the state or the federal government. For a state filing, as mentioned earlier, the California trademark filing fee is typically $70 per class, while federal filings range from $250 to $350 per class.

How many views do I need to make $10,000 a month on YouTube?

On average, YouTubers earn $0.001 to $0.01 per view, depending on their CPM. For example, a video with 1 million views might earn between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the niche and audience demographics.

Should I do LLC or trademark first?

You should establish your LLC first, and then apply for your trademark.

What are some cool catch phrases?

Pick the perfect catchphrase to match your exact vibe! Whether you're aiming for confident, witty, or effortlessly smooth, browse these top options categorized by energy:

What is the most famous trademark?

Famous trademarks achieve global recognition through consistency and intense brand loyalty. The most iconic include:

What is Matthew McConaughey's trademark phrase?

Matthew McConaughey’s trademarked catchphrase is "Alright, alright, alright".

Can I still use a name if it is trademarked?

Yes, you can legally use a trademarked name, but it depends strictly on context and avoiding consumer confusion. The primary goal of trademark law is to protect consumers from assuming a false affiliation or endorsement.

What did Billy Joel call Taylor Swift?

Billy Joel referred to Taylor Swift as "like that generation's Beatles". He praised her songwriting and work ethic, stating she "knows music and she knows how to write".

Is Billie Eilish trademarked?

Logo ideas modeled on USPTO designs for BILLIE EILISH

BILLIE EILISH is a registered trademark (Registration #7373808) owned by Lash Music, LLC, a Beverly Hills based entity located in CA.

What loses copyright in 2026?

In the United States, books, films, and other media published in 1930 enter the public domain in 2026, along with sound recordings from 1925. Many are obscure, but we've highlighted some of the big names below, including a certain spinach-loving, strong-armed sailor.

Is Coca-Cola a trademark or copyright?

Coca-Cola is a trademark. It is protected by multiple registered trademarks owned by The Coca-Cola Company to safeguard its brand identity, including names like "Coca-Cola" and "Coke," its iconic stylized script logo, and the shape of its contour bottle.

What are some things that are no longer trademarked?

Escalator was owned by Otis and the trademark was revoked in 1950. The thermos, yo-yo, laundromat, hacky sack, wine cooler and even pilates were all once trademarked before becoming so linguistically generic — so commonly used to describe a thing in society — that the rights were revoked in a court of law.

What is the easiest way to trademark a phrase?

Trademark a Phrase: A Step By Step Guide

  1. Choose an Original and Distinct Phrase. ...
  2. Search the USPTO Database for Your Phrase. ...
  3. Select the Appropriate Filing-Basis for the Trademark Application. ...
  4. Select the Appropriate Class of Goods/Services and Description of the Goods/Services. ...
  5. Pay the Appropriate Gov.

What are the disadvantages of a trademark?

This article will take you through 5 disadvantages of trade marks.

  • Trade Mark Classes Cannot Be Altered. One key difficulty with trade marks is that you cannot alter trade mark classes. ...
  • Difficulty with Litigation. ...
  • Renewals. ...
  • Protection Limitations. ...
  • Risk of Being Genericised.

Do I need a lawyer to trademark a name?

No. You do not need an attorney to file an application for registration of a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). That being said, you really ought to hire an attorney if you can afford one.