The Philadelphia Inquirer Quoted Josh Gerben About Coronavirus-Related Trademarks

Over 120 coronavirus-related trademarks have been filed with the USPTO since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Of the many filings, only a few are likely to achieve registration.

Josh Gerben was quoted by The Philadelphia Inquirer about why most of the coronavirus-related trademarks will be refused:

Josh Gerben, a Washington trademark lawyer and founder of Gerben IP, said he’d counted more than 120 coronavirus-related applications as of last week. More are coming in. Each application costs $350.

“I wasn’t that impressed with everybody’s, to be honest. There could be some more creativity out there.”

Gerben said trademark applications are usually rejected once a word or phrase has become ubiquitous. On the other hand, an application such as Shelter in Paradise — a resort-hotel concept riffing on shelter-in-place directives — might have a better chance.

“If someone calls up and says, I want to file a trademark application for COVID-19, I’d ask, ‘Why?’ The conversation would end pretty quickly.”

“Corona beer is lurking in the background. They’re going to have brand concerns. You may see them pop their head up on something like this.”

Source: Bender, William. “Social distancing beer, CBD oil, and crop tops? Coronavirus-related applications pouring into U.S. trademark office.” Inquirer.com. 06 April 2020.