Zippo was recently granted an audio trademark, or ‘soundmark’ from the US Patent and Trademark Office, for the unmistakable sound made by its windproof lighter.
The brand announced its trademark by way of an autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) video. ASMR is a technique using soothing visuals and sounds that is believed to bring about positive feelings. In addition, Zippo has partnered with Buzzfeed to create a series of ASMR videos to celebrate its iconic lighter sound. The first video from the collaboration is titled “People Make an ASMR Video for the First Time.”
Fans and collectors have commented extensively on the satisfying ‘click’ heard when one flicks open the Zippo lighter lid. The company claims that research has shown that over three-quarters of adults can instantly identify the sound upon hearing it. The company intends to file for similar trademarks in the European Union, Canada, China and India.
The Zippo sound joins a small category of other famous protected sounds, which includes the MGM Lion roar and the Mockingjay whistle from the Hunger Games movie franchise.
Author: Jaclyn Tilak
Authors
Expertise
Insights
-
Intellectual Property
From Touchdowns to Trademarks: How NFL Star Travis Kelce is Growing his Brand
Travis Kelce, three-time Super Bowl champion and Kansas City Chiefs superstar tight-end, has reportedly filed multiple new trademark applications in Ohio according to records from the United States… -
Intellectual Property
A Bump in the Road: Caterpillar Ordered to Pay Wirtgen $12.9 Million in Patent Trial
The federal jury of a U.S. District Court in Delaware reportedly awarded Wirtgen America Inc. (“Wirtgen”) $12.9 million in damages for patent infringement related to road-construction technology.The… -
Intellectual Property
A Billion-Dollar Remix: U.S. Appeal Court Overturns $1 Billion Copyright Verdict
A U.S. appeal court reportedly found in favour of American telecommunications and internet service provider, Cox Communications (“Cox”), overturning a $1 billion jury verdict awarded to several record… -
Intellectual Property
From Foam to Fortune: Crocs Inc. Prevails in Patent Infringement Case
Crocs Inc. has been awarded over $6 million following a decision regarding patent infringement by USA Dawgs and its subsidiary Double Diamond Distribution. Crocs was embroiled in years of litigation… -
Intellectual Property
Dish and iFit Reach the Finish Line Settling Infringement Dispute
Dish Network and iFit have reportedly reached an agreement to settle their legal disputes over the use of Dish Network’s streaming-video technology in iFit’s exercise equipment. The dispute arose… -
Intellectual Property
General Motors Files Patent Application for Foldable Ramp for Pickup Trucks
General Motors (“GM”) has reportedly filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a foldable ramp designed for pickup trucks.The foldable ramp is designed to…