You can trademark a sound? As long as it identifies your brand you can, but it isn't easy.

You Can Trademark a Sound?

Yes, sometimes a sound is so closely associated with a business or is intended to be such a brand identifier it can be trademarked.

To qualify to be registered as a trademark, the sound must be used or intended to be used as a brand identifier – something that consumers will hear and recognize as being connected with a particular brand and only that particular brand.

Sounds that can be registered include sounds that are purely instrumental or sound effects, purely vocals, or a combination of those.

There are some sounds that can’t be registered as trademarks, though, because sound trademarks are subject to the same requirements as “regular” word or design trademarks. To be registered, sounds must not be:

  • Generic or commonplace, like the sound of a train whistle or someone saying “car wash” in a plain voice, or
  • Purely functional, meaning they’re essential to how the goods/services are used or operate, like the sounds of a keyboard clacking when someone is typing.

Usually, sounds that can be registered as trademarks are fairly short. Something as long as a song is more appropriately protected through copyright registration.

Some examples of sound trademarks most everyone will recognize are:

It isn’t easy to get a sound registered as a trademark. Sometimes, copyright registration is the only available means of protection until the sound truly becomes instantly recognizable as tied to a brand. Using the services of a seasoned trademark attorney is recommended.

To learn more about our trademark services, go to https://kingpatentlaw.com/trademarks/

For some more sound trademark examples, check out https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/soundmarks/trademark-sound-mark-examples


Discover more from King Patent and Business Law

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

More Posts

Recent Posts

Highway to Probate

A solid estate plan gives you control over what happens, both while you’re living and after you’re gone. If you don’t have one, or have one that’s inadequate, your nearest and dearest will most likely end up managing your estate in probate court when you pass, which is time-consuming and expensive compared to what can happen with a good estate plan.
Here are the most important estate planning dates to keep on your radar.

It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Miss Your Business Deadlines)

As AC/DC said, “It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll,” and I can tell you it’s a long way to the top in business if you miss your deadlines. Time matters in business. Whether you’re launching a startup, maintaining operations, or preparing for growth, certain deadlines can make or break your success. Missing key business dates can lead to financial penalties, legal trouble, or lost opportunities. Here are some of the most critical dates every business owner should have on their radar.