is the word illustrator trademarked?

[DomainFlippin]

is the word illustrator trademarked?

[Stian]

Yes, by Adobe:

http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield...te=mpm1si.2.22

[DomainFlippin]

wwould it be a problem if i bought a name that had illustrator and another word in it?

[Gerry]

Start your basic search here:

http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?...ate=3e7hlb.1.1

14 Records(s) found (This page: 1 ~ 14)

1140752
(1) TYPED DRAWING
REGISTRANT) Illustrator Pen Products, Inc

other


2060488
(1) TYPED DRAWING
IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: computer software for use in graphic design, desktop publishing, electronic publishing, printing, artistic and technical drawing, creating fonts and typefaces, and special graphical and textual effects; computer software containing clip art, and typefaces; and users' manuals and instructional books sold as a unit therewith. FIRST USE: 19861215. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19861215

I am not a trademark attorney but have been involved in my advertising career with many and many companies. We typically had to follow strict guidelines when producing any product mock up.

If you will notice, it is not the word but how that word is used. If you were to take Adobe Illustrator, copy just the Illustrator part of the logo and pass it off as being your own, chances are you would get in big do-do over this.

I just happened to use that as an example as it is so well known but the second example above is actually Adobe's TM.

[Stian]

wwould it be a problem if i bought a name that had illustrator and another word in it?

I wouldn't think so if it's not a typo, not related to Adobe's TM in any way or it's content is not within Adobe's niche. You should really ask a TM attorney if you are unsure.

[DomainFlippin]

i just bought "illustratorforum.com" would that be a problem if i made it into a forum about illustrator

[Gerry]

i just bought "illustratorforum.com" would that be a problem if i made it into a forum about illustrator

I would hope not. That was my profession prior to changing careers.

Seriously, I can not imagine anyone owning a TM on that word using it outside the boundaries of any TM.

I would not have anything posted anywhere or any links pointing to Adobe on that site.

If it is purely for the artform of illustration and design, I would imagine you would be in the clear.

Who knows - I might even join. I have been approached about illustrating a total of 3 series of children's books and co-authoring one series. Just might decide to do it.

[DomainFlippin]

i am thinking people will be able to discuss about different illustrator techniques and tools and different things about illustrator.... would it be a problem if the talked about adobe illustrator in the forum?

[Gerry]

i am thinking people will be able to discuss about different illustrator techniques and tools and different things about illustrator.... would it be a problem if the talked about adobe illustrator in the forum?

If I were to talk about Adobe Illustrator, or Paint Shop Pro ... I think that would be in the clear.

If you had a sub forum entitled Adobe Illustrator...I am not sure about this.

I would think that Adobe would welcome the plug. But they may have their own forum dedicated to this.

It will never hurt to contact them and ask.

I seriously doubt there would be blessing bestowed if you used their TM logo.

An Adobe Illustrator TM may suffice.

But do not take my word.

You need to be directing these questions to them.

A member discussing it? Is that not what we are doing? I don't think I hear the Adobe Police at the front door.

[DomainFlippin]

well if not i think its a great domain to sell later on if i don't develop it all... i am thinking about having someone create a illustration of a story that is quite funny i will let you know.. it will be for the domainers

[HarveyJ]

Adobe can trademark it all they like, but I don't think trademarking a non-proper noun will hold up in court.
Being an "illustrator" is a profession, a particular type of graphic design artist. Much in the same way that Corel has a trademark on the term "painter"... good luck.

It's like Cadbury, and their attempt to trademark the colour purple, and then when that fell through, a particular colour of purple, which then feel through again because it was a already a specific hue that was registered with Pantone, who apparently own all the colours in the visible spectrum...