Last week I was able to attend the Trademark Expo held by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at their headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The Expo is a free event with information about trademarks and several exhibits to educate the public about trademarks. The USPTO’s website describes it as: Exhibitors, trademark characters, themed displays, and educational seminars illustrate the vital role trademarks play in the global economy. Adults and kids learn about… Anti-counterfeiting efforts, Shape, sound and color trademarks, 100-year-old registered trademarks, and The evolution and history of trademarks.
It was my first trip the annual Expo and I found it to be a great event. Many families and kids were mingling in the exhibit hall and learning about the exhibitors. The USPTO’s displays contained facts and tidbits about some interesting or well known trademarks. I learned that the shape of the Empire State Building is a registered trademark, as is the yellow border on National Geographic magazine covers.
Other highlights included:
- Seeing and hearing a NASCAR car up close. It is an understatement to say it is very loud! The NASCAR car was tattooed with at least 10 brands names (see slideshow)
- Taking a picture with the USPTO trademark mascot!
- Traveler’s Insurance promoting their red umbrella logo trademark handed out red rubber bracelets in the shape of its logo
Here are some slides from my field trip:
[slideshow]
Good times. I am going to go, one of these years. Thanks for sharing.