Beyond Logos: 5 Unusual Things That Are Trademarked
You might think trademarks only protect logos and brand names, but the world of intellectual property extends far beyond that—here are five surprising things you didn’t know were trademarked.
Trademarks can protect much more than just logos and brand names — they can extend to unique colors, sounds, shapes, and even scents. These unconventional trademarks help brands establish a distinct identity and foster strong consumer recognition. For instance, Tiffany Blue® is a trademarked color that sets the brand apart in the luxury jewelry market, while the iconic NBC Chimes are a trademarked sound, marking the network’s presence with just a few notes. Similarly, Zippo's signature "click" sound and Coca-Cola’s bottle shape are both protected as auditory and visual trademarks, respectively. Even the nostalgic scent of Play-Doh® has been trademarked by Hasbro, making it one of the few scent trademarks in existence. These examples highlight the diverse ways companies can use intellectual property to protect their most distinctive attributes, from colors to sounds and even smells.
Tiffany Blue®
Trademark Name: Tiffany Blue®
Registration Number: 4804204
Trademark Holder: Tiffany and Company
Description: Tiffany Blue® is a specific shade of robin's egg blue associated with the luxury jewelry brand Tiffany & Co.
Significance: The color is used on the brand's packaging and promotional materials, contributing to its distinct brand identity.
NBC Chimes
Trademark Name: NBC Chimes
Registration Number: 0916522
Registered: Jul. 13, 1971
Trademark Holder: NBCUniversal Media, LLC
Description: The NBC Chimes consist of a three-note sequence (G-E-C) used as an audio signature in NBC broadcasts.
Significance: They were one of the first sound marks granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, establishing a unique auditory brand identity.
Zippo Lighter Click Sound
Trademark Name: Zippo Lighter Click Sound
Registration Number: 5527388
Trademark Holder: Zippo Manufacturing Company
Description: The distinctive "click" sound produced when a Zippo lighter is opened and closed.
Significance: This sound is considered a unique auditory trademark, reinforcing the brand's identity through its signature noise.
Coca-Cola Bottle Shape
Trademark Name: Coca-Cola Bottle Shape
Registration Number: 2155915; 3510996; 4242307
Trademark Holder: The Coca-Cola Company
Description: The contoured glass bottle design of Coca-Cola, known for its unique shape.
Significance: The design is protected as a trade dress, ensuring the bottle's shape is exclusively associated with Coca-Cola.
Play-Doh® Scent
Trademark Name: Play-Doh® Scent
Registration Number: 5467089
Trademark Holder: Hasbro, Inc.
Description: The scent of Play-Doh is described as a sweet, slightly musky, vanilla-like fragrance with slight overtones of cherry and the natural smell of a salted, wheat-based dough.
Significance: This scent is one of the few active scent trademarks in the U.S., highlighting its strong association with the brand.
