What Do Trademarks Have to Do with Your Personal Brand?

A personal brand is built around you, your personality, lifestyle, and even your interest, etc. A business brand is built around your business and often has a name different than your own. Although sometimes they are one and the same. With the rise of social media we have seen the effects and money opportunities when it comes to having a strong personal brand; i.e. influencers. But, often these personal brand moguls are not monetizing or even protecting their greatest asset; their brand.  

Celebrities often protect their personal brand; whether it be their name or a famous catchphrase with trademarks. However, anyone with a social media presence should consider the importance of protecting their personal brand and avoid “identity theft”. 

A great example of a strong personal and business brand is Gordon Ramsay. Well known as international chef and television personality he has multiple trademarks with his name Gordon Ramsay expanding to; Gordon Ramsay Burger; Gordon Ramsay Academy and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen. Gordon Ramsay is a great example because he is a mixture of a business and personal brand. He has protected his name which will allow him to establish trust with his audience and community because when they see his name, they will know it is Gordon Ramsay endorsed/ supported. 

When it comes to protecting your personal brand it’s about ensuring that others cannot monetize and benefit from the usage of your name, image, or persona. Using trademarks with your personal brand, also builds trust with your audience because when they see it in association with a good or service they know it’s yours. Often clients and customers shop and buy from whom we like. And the demand for knowing the person behind the business is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, the need for trademark protection for YOU also becomes even more important.