Q: Am I violating the trademark if I use the name “Good Grief!” for my ministry of funeral and graveside services?

A: You would have to conduct a USPTO trademark search to see if the words have already been registered by another business or individual. Then I would conduct a more comprehensive search with a trademark search company to see if another business/individual has registered the word phrase. If not, then the word phrase can be submitted to the USPTO for trademark registration. I would consult with a trademark attorney to complete this process and to submit the trademark application.

A: Using "Good Grief!" for funeral services could potentially create trademark issues, particularly if another business in a similar field already holds rights to this name. You might want to search the USPTO trademark database and consult with a trademark attorney before moving forward with this name choice.

The phrase "Good Grief!" is most famously associated with Charles Schulz's Peanuts comic strip, though its use there might not directly conflict with funeral services since they operate in different industries. However, if your ministry's use of the phrase could cause confusion or suggest an association with Peanuts characters or branding, you might face legal challenges.

Your best path forward would be to conduct thorough research into existing trademarks in the funeral and religious services sectors, then work with a legal professional to evaluate any risks. They can help determine if this name choice could lead to trademark infringement claims and suggest ways to protect your ministry's interests.