Metallica has strategically leveraged trademarks over the years and built an impressive trademark portfolio.
By Michael Kondoudis, Small Business Trademark Attorney
This is our COMPLETE guide to the trademarks for the METALLICA LOGO.
Since 1981, the legendary heavy metal band Metallica has been creating iconic music that continues to be loved around the world. While many people may know them for their music, few know that Metallica owns many trademark registrations for a variety of trademarks, including its iconic logo.
If you want to know about the METALLICA LOGO and Metallica’s efforts to trademark it, then read on. This guide is for you.
Let’s jump in!
CONTENTS
History of the METALLICA LOGO
The Metallica logo was created by James Hetfield, the lead singer and guitarist of the band. It appeared on the cover of the band’s debut studio album, Kill ‘Em All, released in 1983. Since then, it has become one of music’s most recognizable and iconic logos. The Metallica logo has been featured on countless products, such as t-shirts, stickers, and even tattoos.
When Did Metallica Start Using the METALLICA LOGO?
According to legal filings submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Metallica started using its iconic METALLICA LOGO in 1982.
Is the METALLICA LOGO Trademarked?
Yes, the Metallica logo is trademarked. Metallica trademarked its logo in 1994 and currently owns more than 15 trademark registrations for its logo.
U.S. Trademark Registration No. 1,923,477 for the METALLICA LOGO
When was the METALLICA LOGO Trademarked?
Metallica filed its first trademark applications for the METALLICA LOGO in 1993. The applications were granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and they are now registered.
What Do the METALLICA LOGO Trademarks Cover?
The METALLICA LOGO trademark registrations cover:
- Pre-recorded video and audio cassettes, and a series of pre-recorded phonograph records and compact discs featuring musical performances (Class 009)
- Guitar picks; drum sticks (Class 015)
- Clothing, namely, T-shirts, hooded shirts, crew shirts, ponchos, headwear, and baseball caps (Class 025)
- Entertainment services, namely live musical performances (Class 041)
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Is the METALLICA LOGO Copyrighted?
No. The METALLICA LOGO is not copyrighted because it is a brand. Logos, including the logos of bands like Metallica, are eligible for trademark protection.
Copyrights protect creative works, such as music, songs, lyrics, and album covers. Copyrights do not protect names or logos.
Related: Trademarks vs. Copyrights
How Metallica Uses Their Trademarks
Metallica uses its trademarks to protect and promote their name and music. For example, it uses them on promotional material like t-shirts, hats, and mugs. They also use them to pursue copyright infringement cases against those who try to make money off of their music or name without proper authorization.
How Metallica’s Trademarks Have Grown Over Time
As Metallica has grown in popularity over the years, so has its trademark portfolio. In addition to registering trademarks related to their music, the band have also registered marks for the names of their fan club (“Met Club”), as well as several slogans such as “The Memory Remains” and “Wherever I May Roam.” It even owns trademarks related to charitable organizations that they support!
How Metallica’s Trademarks Help Fans
By registering trademarks in association with their music and image, Metallica protects itself from those who would try to take advantage of their success without proper authorization. This helps fans by ensuring that they are getting the real deal when it comes to merchandise or other products related to the band. It also helps them avoid any potential legal issues down the road.
Final Thoughts
Metallica’s trademarks are an important part of their success as a band. By registering these marks, they are able to protect themselves from those who would try to take advantage of their name and music without proper authorization. They also use them in promotional material that helps fans show their love for the legendary metal band.
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For more than twenty years, Michael Kondoudis has been the go-to trademarking expert for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Michael is a USPTO-licensed trademark and patent attorney, educator, speaker, and author of the Amazon best-seller: Going From Business Owner to Brand Owner. He is also an authority trusted by national news media on major trademark stories.
Fun Facts: Michael is a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and an actual rocket scientist (B.S. Astronomy and Astrophysics, Indiana University 1994).