Are fraternity letters trademarked?

Greek organizations’ trademark rights have been affirmed by federal courts. Just like other trademark owners (for example, colleges and universities), Greek organizations have the right and obligation to claim ownership of their marks and to control the use of those marks.

Can you sell items with Greek letters?

Anyone that plans to sell Greek themed sorority or fraternity items must be licensed. This includes the use of the organization’s name, Greek letters, crests, badges, and insignias. Sorority or Fraternity members must be licensed if they plan to sell items with trademarks on them.

Can you trademark a letter of the alphabet?

Single letters are among the most popular trademarks registered in the United States. Each letter of the alphabet has, at a minimum, hundreds of trademarks. According to figures supplied by the USPTO, in 2014 there were more than 455,000 new trademark applications, but only about 279,000 new registrations.

Is the delta symbol trademarked?

Distinguishing elements that can be trademarked include designs, slogans, and company names as well as logos. Two companies in substantially different markets can share a name: Delta Airlines and Delta Faucets, for example.

Is Divine Nine trademarked?

DIVINE NINE Trademark of National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. – Registration Number 5033120 – Serial Number 86759832 :: Justia Trademarks.

Is Greek life copyrighted?

Fraternities and sororities also possess strong trade- mark rights in not only their names and logos, but also in their Greek letter combinations, slogans, and even color combinations. Owners of such marks can use the TM symbol to signify their rights and do not need a federal trademark registration.

What is a Greek paraphernalia?

Sorority and fraternity members often purchase Greek paraphernalia, such as hats, jackets, key chains and even cell phone covers to represent their organizations. Selling Greek items is a versatile business that can be quite lucrative, especially if you’re in a college town.

How do you start a Greek organization?

How to Start a New Fraternity at Your School – A Guide

1. Research fraternities.
2. Contact the fraternity’s national board.
3. Contact your school’s Greek Life office.
4. Create an interest group.
5. Affiliate your interest group with a national organization.
6. Apply for recognition from your school’s Greek Life office.

Can a sound be trademarked?

Sounds can be registered on the Principal US Trademark Register, which provides protection throughout the United States and a presumption of validity, when they are both “arbitrary, unique or distinctive” and can also be used in a manner “so as to attach to the mind of the listener and be awakened on later hearing” (In …

Can you copyright a letter?

A personal letter is subject to copyright protection – regardless of whether the letter is published or unpublished. In most cases, the writer of the letter is the copyright owner of the letter. As the recipient of the letter, you exercise control over the tangible copy which you may keep, sell, or discard.

Can You trademark the Greek letters of the alphabet?

If you are using greek letters as your slogan or product names then they qualify for all of the protection that a trademark grants. Greek letters are considered public domain in the same way that the English alphabet is, which is to say that the alphabet can be appropriated to create slogans and names without inherently risking infringement.

Are there any symbols in the Greek alphabet?

Greek symbols, from alpha to omega, are contained in the Greek alphabet. This alphabet has been used since the 9th century BC to this day. There are vowels and consonants in it. Perhaps he was the first alphabet of this type.

Do you have to have the Greek symbol on your Merch?

The good news is that the fraternities and sororities are fairly lenient about how their symbol and letters are printed. You don’t necessarily have to use a particular color or font on your promotional items. The only thing that needs to be exact is the fraternity or sorority’s trademark crest.

Do you need a license to print Greek letters?

Printing Greek Letters & Symbols on Promotional Products If you intend on printing the Greek letters and symbols from a fraternity or sorority on t-shirts, water bottles, stress balls, or any other promotional items, you must first obtain the necessary license.