Wait, what?! Tesla Trademarks S3XY?
Trademarks are valuable business assets. Recently, Tesla and Elon Musk have been in the news because Tesla tried to trademark “Model E.” Ford opposed the trademark application on the grounds that it sounded too similar to its famous “Model T,” and based on a 2010 agreement between Ford and Tesla that prevented Tesla from using “E” for a model.
At the time, Ford did not trademark and use the “Model E.” However, it based the opposition on the likelihood of confusion that “Model E” and “Model T” share. Elon Musk previously trademarked “Model S” and “Model X.” He joked that “Ford’s killing SEX,” and ultimately agreed not to use “Model E.” In the end, Tesla trademarked Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.
S3XY.
Why are trademarks important?
As mentioned, trademarks are important business assets. A registered trademark allows an owner to prevent another from using a mark that is too similar to the registered trademark. This can help preserve a brand’s reputation and value.
All business owners are encouraged to have an attorney conduct a trademark clearance search to make sure that the mark(s) the company is using is not too similar to another mark. If it is too similar, the company could face a lawsuit and the company’s valuation could drop. Your company could also have to rebrand with a new website, merchandise, and advertising material.
Moreover, a registered trademark makes enforcing and policing trademarks more efficient. It could cost you less if you have a registered trademark than if you do not. The USPTO’s process for resolving trademark disputes is quicker. That could result in a company having to spend less on attorney’s fees.
If you have any questions, please contact us at https://www.mdgrlaw.com/contact-us.
The republication of this article was made possible by a collaboration between Flock of Legals and Attorney Melissa D. Goolsarran Ramnauth. The original article may be found here: https://www.mdgrlaw.com/post/can-you-trademark-jewelry.
Click below to read more articles written by Attorney Melissa D. Goolsarran Ramnauth on The Flock:
The Promising Rise Of Caribbean Businesses
Trademark Tracking: An Interesting Concept You Should Know
How To Protect Your Brand: Trademark Registration For Amazon Brand Registry
Trademark International Class: How Are Restaurants Classified And Where Do They Fall In?
What Is An Office Action? | Trademark Simplified Series: #1
Can You Trademark Jewelry? | Trademark Simplified Series: #2
