Gerben IP

Shedeur Sanders didn’t get a draft night call…

But his trademark game? Already in motion.

To date, Shedeur has filed 4 trademark applications.

It's a solid start.

And he's learning from the GOAT when it comes to branding.

McDonald's just filed a trademark with the USPTO to protect the lyrics to the "Big Mac Song:"

TWOALLBEEFPATTIESSPECIALSAUCELETTUCECHEESEPICKLESONIONSONASESAMESEEDBUN

The application claims that the phrase was first used on December 30, 1974.

Saquon Barkley has filed a trademark for his reverse hurdle move.

The filing, made on March 13, aims to protect a silhouette of Barkley jumping backward over a defender.

This is an incredibly savvy business move by Barkley.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have filed a trademark for:

"CAVALANCHE"

The filing, made yesterday with the USPTO, came on the same day that the team clinched a playoff birth.

Kylie Kelce just filed a trademark to protect the name of her podcast.

And, I'm NOT GONNA LIE, it's a bit late.

Why?

Kylie's podcast launched in December.

The trademark application was not filed until February 28.

It is incredibly important for any business to file a trademark application BEFORE launching a new product or service.

This is because a trademark is protected nationwide STARTING FROM its filing date.

By not filing the application until now, Kylie risked a number of things:

1. A squatter making a trademark filing for the name.

This could result in 10x the cost of obtaining the trademark registration (because of the legal fees necessary to deal with the squatter).

2. Another legitimate business filing a trademark application for the same or similar name.

This could put her ability to use the name and expand into merchandise (or other products) at risk.

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Of course, as a law firm full of Philadelphia Eagles fans, we love Kylie.

Take a listen to her podcast if you have a chance.

What has Saquon Barkley been up to since the Super Bowl?

Adding to his trademark portfolio.

On February 25, Saquon filed a trademark for:

"SHAYSHAWN BARKLEY"

The nickname came from an on-the-street interview with a Commanders fan after the NFC Championship game.

Want to register a trademark?

Buckle up.

If DOGE's efforts to lay off federal workers reduce the number of trademark examiners by 10% or more, the US trademark system will grind to a halt.

It currently takes 14-18 months to get a trademark registered.

A workforce reduction at the USPTO would likely result in that turning into 2+ years.

Is there a better solution than simply laying off USPTO employees?

Yes.

DOGE should:

1. Form a task force with private trademark attorneys and USPTO management to improve employee training and set new performance goals.

2. Fire employees only at a pace that matches hiring to avoid slowing the system due to an examiner shortage.

3. Hire an IT team to explore AI integration for greater examiner efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability to filing surges.

I believe that DOGE could make the USPTO better.

However, its efforts need to be methodical.

If DOGE simply focuses on cutting the number of USPTO employees, we will see an unmitigated disaster in about six months.

The math is simple:

Fewer trademark examiners = longer waits and more headaches.

https://www.gerbenlaw.com/blog/doge-threatens-the-stability-of-the-u-s-trademark-system/

A newly formed LLC called BLEEDING BIRD LLC lists Howie Roseman's manager as its contact.

On Saturday, the LLC then filed a trademark for:

"I BLEED FOR THIS CITY"

The filing claims that Howie and his team plan to develop a clothing line around the phrase.

This Valentine's Day was a love fest in Philly.

The City held a parade for the Eagles' Super Bowl win.

Jalen Hurts, the MVP, even wore a hoodie that read, "LOVE, HURTS."

Surprisingly, Hurts and Nike still (as of the writing of this post) have not filed an application for the phrase.

Now, in order for Hurts or Nike to obtain a trademark registration for "LOVE, HURTS", they will need to launch a legal challenge against the application filed by the New Jersey woman.

This situation highlights why it is important to file trademarks early.

The sooner you file a trademark application, the lower your chances of having to deal with a squatter.

The legal challenge that lies ahead for Hurts and Nike could easily cost $10,000+ in legal fees.

Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens has filed a trademark for:

JURGY

The filing, made Tuesday with the USPTO, protects Cam's line of beef jerky and associated merchandise.

Cam started the business in college as an NIL venture.

Gerben IP is proud to have assisted Cam's company with this filing.

The White House got a new logo at NOON ET today.

With every administration, a new logo is created and used on everything from official letterhead to the backdrop in the briefing room.

The logo for Trump's second term looks significantly jazzed up.

The highlight of the NFL playoffs so far is indisputable:

A.J. Brown reading the book "Inner Excellence" on the sidelines.

Instantly, the book became the #1 best seller on Amazon.

And the icing on the cake?

Its author, Jim Murphy, had already registered the trademark for Inner Excellence.

Jim was prepared for his viral moment.

The existing trademark registration ensured that:

1. No squatter could go file a trademark for the phrase.
2. Jim is legally prepared to stop anyone else from using the phrase.

This is what I urge clients to do...

Get trademarks protected as early as possible.

Be prepared to capitalize when opportunity strikes.