A fanciful trademark is an invented word that serves no other purpose than to assist a consumer to identify and distinguish your goods or services. It may consist of a combination of letters and/or symbols. Examples of famous fanciful marks include EXXON, KODAK, and HAAGEN-DASZ.
Fanciful marks are the strongest marks along the trademark spectrum. They are inherently distinctive and registrable on the Principal Register without proof of acquired distinctiveness. However, fanciful marks often require significant advertising and marketing budgets to ensure that consumers associate your invented word with your goods or services. If your company has the resources to do so, fanciful marks generally offer excellent protection for your brand against third-party infringement.
Thank you for staying tuned to our “How Strong is Your Brand” series. If you need assistance in choosing a trademark, conducting a trademark clearance search, or with registration of your mark, contact a trademark lawyer at Kennedy Law today.
Chelsie Spencer is a Senior Associate with the Dallas office of Kennedy Law, PC. She may be reached at 214-716-4345.