382T Trademarks

382TII Marks Protected

382Tk1040 Names as Marks

382Tk1042 k. Persons, Names Of.

Though the name “George Washington” is a name that is publici juris which may be appropriated by anyone, use of such name, as applied to commemorative silver plates produced under trademark “The Geo. Washington Mint,” was arbitrary and nondescriptive, and thus such mark was protectible from its first use.
George Washington Mint, Inc. v. Washington Mint, Inc., 349 F. Supp. 255 (S.D.N.Y. 1972)