Yes, it is possible to trademark any holiday name, if you use the name to sell or promote your goods or services. If there are no similar trademarks registered and if the mark is considered to be distinctive enough in its subject classes by the registries of your choice.
A knockout search reveals that there are over 2000 live marks containing this word at the time of writing. The top two owners of ‘Christmas’ are the British company Shastan Limited 2.4% whose top brand is ‘Christmas Pig’, class 16 Bookmarks. In the charitable spirit of Christmas, Shastan is followed by the U.S. not-for-profit Samaritan’s Purse 1.9%.
A look at some Christmas trademarks that are registered with the USPTO:
Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal
A trademark application was filed on November 12, 2019, to register the phrase ‘Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal’ as a trademark with the USPTO. The goods and services associated with this application are listed as paper banners and paper party decorations. The phrase originates from the gangster film, ‘Angels with Filthy Souls’ which is shown in multiple scenes of the Home Alone franchise. Since then, ‘Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal’ has become a popular phrase associated with the holiday season.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU
A trademark application was filed to register ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ on September 26, 2019. The trademark application is associated with a variety of goods and services such as candles, downloadable video games, jewelry, gift wrapping paper, dishes, towels, clothing, and Christmas tree ornaments. Additional goods and services include beverages such as milk, hot chocolate, beer, and wine. This phrase originates from the critically acclaimed Christmas Song by Mariah Carey, ‘All I want for Christmas is You.’
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
This holiday classic was registered as a trademark on June 14, 2011 for use in entertainment in the nature of visual and audio performances (musical, variety, news, comedy shows, entertainment services, namely, television, motion picture film, audio and radio production), etc.
Hallmark Gold Crown
Hallmark is a one-stop shop for classic seasonal gifts. Hallmark Gold Crown was registered as a trademark on September 15, 2009, as retail store services featuring greeting cards, gifts, and collectibles.
The Elf on the Shelf
The Elf on the Shelf is a fun holiday tradition for children and their parents. The children’s book and doll encourage kids to behave during the holiday season under the premise that the elf is ‘watching’. The elf is placed in different locations around the house each day leading up to Christmas. ‘The Elf on the Shelf’ was registered as a trademark on November 18, 2008, for use in Children’s activity books, Children’s books, and Dolls and children’s books, sold as a unit.
Starbucks Coffee
The popular coffee chain debuts its signature holiday cups each year. Starbucks also offers a seasonal menu that features festive beverages. Starbucks Coffee was registered as a trademark on May 13, 2008 for use in retail music and record stores, retail outlets, online retail store services, business administration, business management, and franchising, namely, providing technical assistance in the establishment and/or operation of restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, and snack bars.
We here at Alyafi IP Group wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.
For more information about Trademarks registration please reach out to us at ips@alyafi-ip.com.
