People have relied on acronyms since antiquity, when the government in ancient Rome went by SPQR rather than the more formal Senatus Populusque Romanus. Back then, acronyms may have made it easier for Roman stone carvers, artisans and metalworkers to mark everything from buildings to coins with the insignia of the empire. However, thanks to the convenience offered by abbreviating long phrases into a few characters or syllables, acronyms continue to have pervasive use in modern society. Indeed, many companies use short and easily recalled acronyms to identify their products and services to accommodate the ever-quickening pace of their consumers’ lifestyles. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that companies increasingly are seeking to register acronyms as trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Acronyms as Trademarks
While acronyms can be useful, a company must decide whether it is wise to adopt an acronymic moniker to refer either to itself or its goods and services. For instance, the Acronym Specialists Society may decide that it is not in its best interest to use one to advertise its services. Companies that are indeed interested in using one must follow all standard rules regarding the use of trademarks. For starters, the company must actually use the acronym to distinguish its goods or services from those provided by others and indicate their source.
