City of Chicago Seeks Trademark Protection for City Assets

The City of Chicago is following other major cities, such as New York City, by seeking trademark protection for its city assets. In May 2006, the U.S. Trademark Office granted a trademark to the City of Chicago for the Chicago Airport System logo worn by employees at O'Hare and Midway airports. In addition, Chicago has pending trademark applications for the Chicago Police and Chicago Fire Department badges. The City also filed a trademark application for the use of sky blue paint used on the Streets & Sanitation Department's garbage trucks.

New York City, who inspired Chicago to seek their own trademark protection, began seeking trademarks for city assets after 9/11. To date, consumers have spent millions of dollars on clothes bearing N.Y.P.D. and F.D.N.Y. logos. New York City sought trademarks to gain revenue from these sales.

The City of Chicago is attempting to obtain trademark protection for city assets for the following reasons: 1) to prevent misuse of the police and fire department marks; and 2) to reap financial benefits from licensing. Licencing the marks for use by companies will allow the City of Chicago to control and manage who uses its marks and how the marks are being used.