Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Trademark
by Susan Basko, esq.
I answered this question on Quora: Is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’s character copyrighted?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a song, a movie, etc. and these have Copyright protections. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is also a trademark registered by Trust of the author, Robert L. May, for use on books, films, games, toys, etc. It has been registered since the 1980s.
The specimens on file with the U.S. Trademark Office show a Viewmaster slide show of Rudolph, a story book signed by the author, a coloring book, an RCA Victor phonograph record, and a pair of bedroom slippers with a reindeer head. It is safe to say the character of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is as legally well-protected as Mickey Mouse. Subsequent attempts by others to register trademarks on any Rudolph Reindeer-related goods or services have all failed and gone dead.
The registration information is shown below, and above is a photo of the specimen provided of the coloring book and slippers.
Word Mark
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
Goods and Services
IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: Filmstrips With [ and Without ] Sound Tracks. FIRST USE: 19470000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19470000
IC 016. US 037 038. G & S: Coloring and Activity Books. FIRST USE: 19470000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19470000
IC 028. US 022 023 038 050. G & S: [ Equipment Sold as a Unit for Playing Board and Dart Board Games, ] Stuffed Toys, Christmas Tree Ornaments, Hand Puppets and Jigsaw Puzzles. FIRST USE: 19470000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19470000
Mark Drawing Code
(1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number
73268848
Filing Date
July 3, 1980
Current Basis
1A
Original Filing Basis
1A
Published for Opposition
October 9, 1984
Registration Number
1309723
Registration Date
December 18, 1984
Owner
(REGISTRANT) State National Bank of Evanston, co-trustees of Robert L. May, trust under will banking association UNITED STATES Orrington at Davis Evanston ILLINOIS 60204
(LAST LISTED OWNER) RUDOLPH COMPANY, L.P,, THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP DELAWARE 910 RAILROAD AVENUE NOVATO CALIFORNIA 94945
Assignment Recorded
ASSIGNMENT RECORDED
Type of Mark
TRADEMARK
Register
PRINCIPAL
Affidavit Text
SECT 15. SECT 8 (6-YR). SECTION 8(10-YR) 20150110.
Renewal
2ND RENEWAL 20150110
Live/Dead Indicator
LIVE