As detailed in the Wall Street Journal on August 5, 2010, protecting a nonprofit’s trademarks doesn’t stop at just the logo. Non-Profits need to trademark their phrases, power lines, tag lines and slogans … indeed, any phrase or image that used to represent the organization or its services.
All non-profits need to seek legal advice when coming up with logos and fundraising slogans in order to make sure they are not trespassing on another’s property. Then once a unique logo and slogan is obtained, protect it. In fact, if you fail to protect it you can lose it! It may be taxing to protect a trademark, but it is both emotionally and financially wrenching when a charity neglects to do its due diligence when trademarking its identity.