To be honest we find this somewhat depressing but what do we know of taking advantage of the misfortune of others?
The National Law Review reports
COVID-19 Catchphrases? Rise In Coronavirus-Related Trademark Applications
The coronavirus epidemic has affected just about every industry in America, and the legal profession is no exception. In regard to intellectual property law specifically, people have been quick to line up to file trademark applications to protect various phrases, slogans, and words that relate to COVID-19.
Since March 2020, there have been over 1,000 trademark applications that have been filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that relate to the coronavirus,[1] including phrases such as “COVID Couture”, “Generation COVID”, and “I survived Coronavirus”.[2][3] Applicants have even tried to capitalize off of not just the name of the epidemic, but relevant associated phrases that have become part of public discourse this past year as well, including applications for slogans such as “Social Distancing Social Club”[4] and “Flatten the Curve”.[5]
What are the reasons behind this great surge in applications? First, like any worldwide issue, there is the obvious urge to capitalize off of a matter that is so globally recognizable and that millions of people readily identify with and understand. Second, many people who have taken pay cuts or have been furloughed are attempting to find ways to make supplemental income during a financially uncertain time. Third, the pandemic has left people, whether they are working from home or not, with more time on their hands than perhaps they have ever had in their lifetime.[6] Instead of workers’ days being filled with lengthy commutes, long hours at the office, and recreational activities, this year people have been finding themselves with more time to brainstorm over potential new business names and ideas.
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