The Public Domain
What does it mean for a work to be in the public domain?
to creative materials that are not protected by intellectual property laws such as copyright, trademark, or patent laws. The public owns these works, not an individual author or artist. Anyone can use a public domain work without obtaining permission, but no one can ever own it.
What is trademark infringement?
the unauthorized use of a protected brand name, logo, or slogan in a way that is likely to cause confusion about the source of goods or services
One of the most famous trade secrets in business history. The company has kept its formula a closely guarded secret for over 100 years. The formula is said to be locked away in a vault in Atlanta, Georgia, and only a few people know the exact ingredients.
Coca-Cola
Was Paris Hilton able to trademark her catchphrase "That's hot"
Yes!
3 Main Requirements for a patent
New (novelty)
Useful (utility)
Non-obvious
What is one way a work can enter the public domain?
This outdoor clothing company filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against environmental activist and drag queen sharing a similar name
Patagonia and Pattie Gonia
This product is helpful in a squeaky situation and is probably in your garage
WD-40
Was Kylie Jenner able to trademark "Rise and Shine" as sung by her on Keeping Up With the Kardashians?
No, the application was abandoned
This iconic symbol of the US was protected by a design patent USD11023S
The Statue of Liberty
This song about our state entered the public domain in 2026
Georgia on My Mind
This company sued Forever 21 and other suppliers for infringement on their trackpant trademark.
The creamy filling of this childhood treat is allegedly mixed at select factories before being sent out for final manufacturing
Twinkies
Was Taylor Swift able to trademark "Nice to meet you, where you been?”
Yes! The filings cover everything from clothing to some very random novelty items
This is the only US president to ever hold a patent
Lincoln
the first appearance of this teen detective in a famous series entered the public domain in 2026
Nancy Drew
A theme park in Utah sued this popstar whose album shared the same name
Taylor Swift
This list ranks published works, but nobody knows for sure how it works
The New York Times Best Sellers
this is the most influential book list in the country, and NYT will not divulge its definition of a best seller.
Was Mariah Carey able to trademark "Queen of Christmas"?
No!
Name the three types of patents
Design
Plant
The original version of this famous cartoon dog is entering the public domain in 2026
Pluto
This famous band filed suit against a prominent company over a similar name to their media company
The Beatles
If you’ve chewed gum in the last 100 years, chances are it was this brand. The company’s gum base is a notable secret recipe that has kept them as the number one chewing gum maker in the world for decades.
Wrigley’s
Was Beyoncé able to trademark her daughter's name, Blue Ivy Carter?
Yes, the name was registered as a trademark of Beyoncé’s company, BKG.
A sealed crustless sandwich for providing a convenient sandwich without an outer crust which can be stored for long periods of time without a central filling from leaking outwardly. The sandwich includes a lower bread portion, an upper bread portion, an upper filling and a lower filling between the lower and upper bread portions, a center filling sealed between the upper and lower fillings, and a crimped edge along an outer perimeter of the bread portions for sealing the fillings therebetween. The upper and lower fillings are preferably comprised of peanut butter and the center filling is comprised of at least jelly. The center filling is prevented from radiating outwardly into and through the bread portions from the surrounding peanut butter.
Uncrustable