Is Your Catchy Slogan Illegal?

A catchy slogan can help a business stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract new customers. However, some slogans may inadvertently cross legal boundaries and result in serious consequences. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what makes a slogan illegal and how to avoid infringing on others’ rights.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what constitutes a slogan. A slogan is a short phrase that is used to promote a brand or product. It’s usually catchy and memorable and is often used in advertising campaigns. Examples of famous slogans include Nike’s “Just Do It,” McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It,” and the super catchy one from our local Zamzows, “Nobody Knows, Like Zamzows.”

While a slogan can be a powerful marketing tool, it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t infringe on any trademarks, copyrights, or other legal rights. Here are some common reasons why a slogan might be illegal:

1. Trademark infringement: A slogan that is too similar to another company’s trademark could be considered trademark infringement. For example, if you were to use the slogan “Think Different” to promote a tech product, you could be infringing on Apple’s trademark for “Think Different.”
2. Copyright infringement: If a slogan is too similar to an existing copyrighted work, it could be considered copyright infringement. For example, if your slogan were “To Infinity and Beyond” to promote a space-themed product, you could be infringing on Disney’s copyright for the phrase from the Toy Story franchise.
3. False advertising: A slogan that makes false or misleading claims could be considered false advertising. For example, if you were to use the slogan “100% Organic” to promote a product that isn’t actually 100% organic, you could be considered guilty of false advertising.
4. Offensive language: A slogan that contains offensive language or imagery could be considered illegal. For example, a slogan that promotes racist or sexist attitudes would be unacceptable and could result in legal action.