Hashtag Trademarks: Legal and Practical Implications of Use by Brand Owners or Third Parties
A live 90-minute premium CLE video webinar with interactive Q&A
This CLE course will guide trademark counsel on the use of trademarks as hashtags. The panel will examine the pros and cons of using a mark as a hashtag. The panel will discuss determining whether to use a mark as a hashtag, how to use it, and the steps to take to protect the mark when using it as a hashtag. The panel will also address the pros and cons of registering hashtags as trademarks.
Outline
- Can a hashtag function as a trademark?
- Using one's own trademark as a hashtag
- Pros and cons
- Fair use and other considerations when determining whether to use the mark as a hashtag
- When can the use of a hashtag give rise to liability?
- Case examples
- Approval process
- Monitoring marks
- IP protection
- Can it be registered as a mark? Should it be?
- Enforcement considerations
Benefits
The panel will review these and other key issues:
- What considerations should brand owners and their counsel weigh when determining whether to use a trademark as a hashtag?
- What should a brand owner consider before using a hashtag?
- What are some best practices for the protection of your hashtags?
Faculty

Stephen J. Coates
Founder
Coates IP
Mr. Coates is an expert on areas surrounding trademarks, copyright, domain names, unfair competition, marketing,... | Read More
Mr. Coates is an expert on areas surrounding trademarks, copyright, domain names, unfair competition, marketing, technology products, as well as litigation surrounding these topics. While at Amazon.com, he and his team managed trademarks for a diverse array of industries and the company’s domain portfolio. He served as Twitter’s first IP counsel and managed the trademark, marketing, domain and internet governance practices.
Closeto be announced.
Early Discount (through 02/24/23)
Cannot Attend March 21?
Early Discount (through 02/24/23)
You may pre-order a recording to listen at your convenience. Recordings are available 48 hours after the webinar. Strafford will process CLE credit for one person on each recording. All formats include course handouts.