9 Worst Attempts to Create Company Trademarks

Sometimes, trademarking a phrase or image isn't a great idea
By Ashley Allen
Posted Nov 17, 2010 10:08 AM CST Posted Nov 17, 2010 10:08 AM CST
Promoted on Newser Nov 17, 2010 3:36 PM CST
The Nine Worst Attempts to Create Brand Names
Sorry, Wal-Mart, but the Smiley Face isn't yours.   (Flickr)

Protecting one's brand is a cardinal rule of business, but sometimes attempts to trademark phrases and the like seem off the mark. 24/7WallSt rounds up nine of what it sees as the most absurd:

  • Nintendo, "It's On Like Donkey Kong:" The video game company wants to own rights to this phrase, which can be traced back to a 1992 song by Ice Cube.

  • Subway, "Footlong:" The sub-maker has applied to register this common phrase and prevent other restaurants from advertising 12-inch meals.
  • Wal-Mart, Smiley Face: The megastore was disappointed to find it could not gain rights to this 1970s classic.
Click here to read the full list.

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