Does anybody know if Yellow Pages is a trademark in the US market?

[DataSN.com]

I know YellowPages is registered in the UK but is it so in the US? Would it be a problem if I register some name such as xxxxyellowpages.com that targets at the US market?

Thanks for any input!

 

[DaddyHalbucks]

I think it is public domain, but...

Search here to find out for sure:

www.uspto.gov

 

[Gerry]

Yellow Pages has long been the property of Ma Bell long before, during, and after the deregulation.

 

[DaddyHalbucks]

Yellow Pages has long been the property of Ma Bell long before, during, and after the deregulation.

Incorrect.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Pages

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_the_na..._I_legally_name_my_directory_the_yellow_pages

 

[Gerry]

Damn, that USPTO.gov site lied again...

http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4001:9end29.2.165


The question was:
Does anybody know if Yellow Pages is a trademark in the US market?

The answer is:
Yes

 

[draggar]

Wow, I thought they used to have a TM on "Yellow Pages" for directory services?

So that brings up the question - when does a TM become a generic term? Remember back in the 80's - everyone labeled them as "Band Aids" and then J&J must have done something because all the non J&J ones are now "adhesive bandages".

The same wth Q-tips, Kleenex, etc..

 

[Gerry]

It ("yellow pages") is still TM'd.

I don't understand why people do not think it is TM'd. It is.

There ARE variances of yellow pages but they have passed all the criteria set by the USPTO guidelines and validated by the USPTO attorneys as being different enough to warrant a separate TM.

There are nearly 200 yellow pages live TM's, including the word, phrase, and logo yellow pages.

 

[DaddyHalbucks]

Even if it is trademarked, it may not be enforceable.

It is certainly not distinctive at this point in time.