Trademarks and Celebrities

Trademarks and Celebrities 

There is no doubt that the Kardashian/Jenner clan is taking over. They can be found on the front of nearly every magazine or trending on every social media outlet. In May 2015, Kris Jenner or the ‘momager’ as she is often referred, looked to trademark just that. The combined words ‘mom’ and ‘manager’ aptly describe the 59 year old whom manages all six of her children and their hectic lives. Whilst this is true, hasn’t this all gone a bit too far? Kris Jenner is by no means the first celebrity to trademark a phrase. Paris Hilton successfully trademarked “That’s hot” in 2007 at the height of her fame and found herself at the core of a legal battle with Hallmark, whom had used the phrase on one of their cards.  The dispute was eventually solved out of court. Also, Donald Trump sought to trademark the infamous “you’re fired” phrase used on hit show The Apprentice, although this was eventually denied.

What are the benefits of trademarking a name?

So, what are the benefits of trademarking a name or a phrase if you are of celebrity status? A trademark typically exists in order to protect brand names or logos but as aforementioned can be used to protect phrases. By ensuring a trademark is established it stops any other individual or business from using your trademark without consent and educates individuals on your ownership of that service or brand. If Kris Jenner were to successfully trademark the coined phrase ‘momager’ it would entitle her to the rights of that phrase for a period of time. If any other organisation or individual used the phrase, Jenner could sue.  To summarise then, the benefits of trademarking when you are of a certain status could be huge. A trademarked name for example, may be indicative of a whole range of products that a person has produced and/or endorsed. 

For more information on how you can protect your name with a trademark please contact jane@trademarkroom.com

By Ellie Adach year 1 student at Southampton Solent University

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