16 'Owned' Colors You Didn't Know Are Trademarked
Have you ever asked yourself why Pepsi doesn't launch a new line using the color red, just to piss Coca-Cola off? The answer is simple: they legally can't. Believe it or not, some colors are trademarked, meaning no one can use them in certain contexts. The rules vary in different countries and jurisdictions, but some companies aren't happy with their virtual monopoly; they really want to own everything they can.
To trademark a color, the companies must prove that it distinguishes the brand from competitors, and that consumers associate the color with the brand, among other things. However, they can only “own” the color in their industry or category of business. This means you can use any color you want when you draw. Just don't create another drink that uses red, and you should be okay, probably.
So, in case you were wondering about this, here are some colors you didn't know are trademarked.
Qualitex Co. Green-Gold
Qualitex trademarked their awful color combo, and the Supreme Court of Justice ruled in their favor in 1995's trial, Qualitex Co. v. Jacobson Products Co., Inc.
UPS - Pullman Brown
Next time you get the mail, ask them if they know they're wearing a trademarked color.
University of Texas Burnt Orange
You can clearly see why.
University of North Carolina - Carolina Blue
Go Heels!
Tiffany & Co. - Tiffany Blue
The color was trademarked in 1998. It's also known as 1837 Blue, in reference to the year the company was created.
T Mobile Magenta
T-Mobile registered the color in 2007 and has exclusive use of the color in the telecommunications industry.
Slip N' Slide Yellow
Trademarking this color for plastic water slides made Wham-O earn more than 6 million dollars from a competitor.
Post It - Canary Yellow
3M has held exclusive use of the color since 2000.
Owens Corning Pink
Owens Corning was the first company to trademark a color in 1987. They argued that the color pink had acquired a secondary meaning in the minds of consumers.
John Deere Green & Yellow
While the color combo was trademarked in 1988, it was already considered a famous staple of the brand since the 60s.
Home Depot Orange
This iconic orange's been around for decades, but was trademarked in 1999.
Coca-Cola Red
They haven't trademarked Santa Claus, but this is as close as it gets.
Caterpillar Yellow
Before 1931, Caterpillar equipment was gray. They decided to change it to yellow for visibility, and they trademarked it decades later.
Cadbury Purple
The UK High Court granted the trademark in 2012 after a legal battle with Nestlé.
Reese's Orange
The iconic color was trademarked in 1999.
Mattel - Barbie Pink
If you make a doll and use pink, everyone will think of Barbie, with or without the trademark.
