The term "Morale Patch" is now trademarked

[rfizzle]

In a bit of strange news, a company called Morale Patch Armory recently announced that they had received a trademark for the term "Morale Patch". For those that don't know that is the general term for the funny patches people put on tactical gear, it's a term that has been in use for decades.

Good version of the story: http://soldiersystems.net/2017/02/16/someone-trademarked-the-term-morale-patch-help-stop-them/

To make matters worse, the guy who received the trademark has now gone around social media shutting down groups using the term. Mostly groups of collectors. What's even crazier is that this guy's business is mostly selling patches made by other people, people who use the now trademarked term...

There's a gofundme set up to start the legal fight against this trademark: https://www.gofundme.com/morale-patch-trademark-defense

I just wanted to bring this to light, as it's odd to say the least.

[Scanker19]

Sounds like he could use a.... Moral Patch....

Am I right?

[Irving]

Why spend money to fight this? Just use a different name, starve him out, and move on.

[Great-Kazoo]

Why spend money to fight this? Just use a different name, starve him out, and move on.

#TheRealMoralePatch.com ;)

[MarkCO]

I sure hope the PTO is on the list for swamp draining. As of this morning, there is not a listing on the USPTO website for "Morale Patch." But yes, anyone who tries to trademark or patent those things in common use is a Turd™.

Yes, someone tried to trademark Turd...

Word Mark TURD
Goods and Services (ABANDONED) IC 030. US 046. G & S: Candy
Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number 75924940
Filing Date February 22, 2000
Current Basis 1B
Original Filing Basis 1B
Published for Opposition September 25, 2001
Owner (APPLICANT) Bell, Bryan M INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES 2622 Patrice Dr Garland TEXAS 75041
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator DEAD
Abandonment Date September 13, 2002

[KevDen2005]

Why spend money to fight this? Just use a different name, starve him out, and move on.

Agreed. Money well spent would be on competition.

[rfizzle]

Why spend money to fight this? Just use a different name, starve him out, and move on.

I can see that, I think the problem is the term "morale patch" is synonymous with the item.

Is it really a huge deal, no. The industry can adapt, and move on. But still a jerk move.

[rfizzle]

To add to this MilSpecMonkey (one of the biggest patch makers) posted a few comments on the article I posted above. This guy sound shady, he got caught by Mil Spec Monkey selling knock off designs, and then pulls this stunt.

[Irving]

I can see that, I think the problem is the term "morale patch" is synonymous with the item.

Is it really a huge deal, no. The industry can adapt, and move on. But still a jerk move.

I'm not saying it's not shady, I'm just suggesting that everyone go around him right off the bat. They're are lots of products that start as brand names, and become product descriptions. His idea to trademark is wonderful, but it doesn't mean we have to buy it.

[Fmedges]

Sounds like a loser to me.

[Skip]

Well, that's demoralizing.

I didn't think you could TM something in common use that wasn't specific to your business/IP.

[mattiooo]

It won't be enforceable if they tried:

http://www.mbbp.com/news/generic-trademark

[Guylee]

Sounds like a good way to immediately destroy your business.

[Big E3]

I’m guessing he’s most likely the beneficiary of the gofundme site. Just keep the money and give up the trademark. Easy money!

[rfizzle]

I’m guessing he’s most likely the beneficiary of the gofundme site. Just keep the money and give up the trademark. Easy money!

GoFundMe was started by the guy who runs Violent Little Machine Shop (http://www.violentlittle.com/) he's a big name in the patch business.