Nashville, TN asked in Trademark for Tennessee

Q: The word Heathen is the name of a religion and set of beliefs. How did someone get granted a trademark on it?

A friend of mine and some others have had their products pulled from their online stores because of trademark on the word Heathen. Heathen is the name of a religion and spiritual practice followed and used by countless people and religious organizations around the world. How could someone have been granted trademark for that? That would be like trademarking the word Christian. Since one answer already said any word can be trademarked..does that count the name of a religion? Surely not. If so, can i trademark the word christian? Or would that be realized as not counting and then denied?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Any word can be registered for trademark purposes, as long as it meets with certain requirements.

Just because it is a common name it does not mean that it can not be registered.

sorry for what is happening to your friends.

always consult with a branding attorney before embarking on a venture like this.

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