USPTO pushes trademark message at National Expo; exhibitors call for more public outreach efforts; World Trademark Review, 10/24/16

Tim Lince, World Trademark Review; USPTO pushes trademark message at National Expo; exhibitors call for more public outreach efforts:

"To appeal to the many youngsters attending, there were trademark-themed colouring books, a scavenger hunt and familiar costumed characters walking around the venue (including Crayola crayons, a Hershey’s Kiss, Fruit of the Loom characters and the USPTO’s own mascot, T-Markey). One of the events objectives, Denison told us after the opening ceremony, is to show attendees, especially those visiting on field trips, that “trademarks are fun” and not just a dry legal necessity, adding: “One of the reasons that the Expo is aimed at children is to get them thinking about trademarks at 10 years old, rather than when they're 35 years old and they've already started a business.” One of the exhibitors, Meghan Donohoe, COO at the AIPLA, told us that the strategy to inspire young people appeared to be working. “All the kids were wearing Under Armour, so it was interesting to see kids connect the dots when they realise the brand that they are wearing is trademarked,” she notes."

National Trademark Expo [U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)], October 21-22, 2016, Washington, D.C.

National Trademark Expo [U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)], October 21-22, 2016, Washington, D.C.

Kip Currier: Just returned from attending the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's National Trademark Expo in Washington, D.C.

Outstanding 75-minute "Trademark Basics" seminar by Atty. Scott Baldwin with the USPTO. Great conversations and hands-on demos with exhibitors like Velcro and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board within the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Self-guided exhibits on unique trademarks like the red-and-yellow McDonald's French Fry Holder and "100-year-old Registered Trademarks" like Campbell's Soup and Life Savers.

Photo-ops with USPTO staff decked out as Fruit of the Loom and Crayola crayon costumed characters.

And the ever-dapper Mr. Peanut--celebrating his 100th birthday--was in attendance too, with the Planter's NutMobile.

About the USPTO's National Trademark Expo on 10/21/16 & 10/22/16; U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO); About the USPTO's National Trademark Expo:

"2016 National Trademark Expo

The 2016 National Trademark Expo will be held on October 21st and 22nd, 2016 at the beautiful Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium located at 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20240. The Expo is open to any owner of a federally-registered trademark. This free, family-fun, educational event includes exhibitors, kids programs, costumed characters, seminars, and more. The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium is a very brief walk from the Federal Triangle Station of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) subway station and provides very convenient access."