In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Mike Carr and Ashley Elliott discuss how to reduce legal risk in brand naming, using the Smucker’s vs. Trader Joe’s case as an example. They contrast descriptive names like Trader Joe’s Crustless Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Sandwiches - clear but hard to protect - with distinctive names like Smucker’s Uncrustables, which are unique and ownable. Mike and Ashley explain that naming strategy should align with business goals: private labels can lean o...
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In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Mike Carr and Ashley Elliott discuss how to reduce legal risk in brand naming, using the Smucker’s vs. Trader Joe’s case as an example. They contrast descriptive names like Trader Joe’s Crustless Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Sandwiches - clear but hard to protect - with distinctive names like Smucker’s Uncrustables, which are unique and ownable. Mike and Ashley explain that naming strategy should align with business goals: private labels can lean o...
In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Ashley Elliott explains trademark classes and why they matter. Trademarks are divided into 45 classes of goods and services, meaning the same name can exist in different classes—like Delta Airlines and Delta Faucets. A common myth is that one filing covers all categories, but protection only applies to the classes you file in. Filing too narrowly leaves gaps; too broadly raises costs and risks conflict. In the U.S., entrepreneurs can file under “Use in...
Naming in an AI Age
In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Mike Carr and Ashley Elliott discuss how to reduce legal risk in brand naming, using the Smucker’s vs. Trader Joe’s case as an example. They contrast descriptive names like Trader Joe’s Crustless Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Sandwiches - clear but hard to protect - with distinctive names like Smucker’s Uncrustables, which are unique and ownable. Mike and Ashley explain that naming strategy should align with business goals: private labels can lean o...