6 patented colors by the world’s leading brands

Undisputed patented colors

1.- Coca-Cola Red

Coca-Cola red is owned by the famous beverage brand. Its creator achieved it by mixing three different shades of red. In fact, this is one of the reasons why the color could be trademarked.

International law prohibits registering primary colors as private property. Primary colors are those that can be obtained through addition (RGB) or subtraction (CMYK). Other colors, however, can be trademarked.

Today, Coca-Cola red is associated exclusively with this specific brand. In the same way, a yellow “M” on a red background immediately makes us think of McDonald’s. That is the power of color when linked to a brand, and why major companies compete for them.

2.- Tiffany Turquoise

Tiffany turquoise does not add a special functional value to the well-known luxury jewelry brand. However, the company decided to trademark this specific shade of blue so that no other brand could use turquoise as a distinguishing feature. As a result, if you receive a small box with a turquoise ribbon, it is very likely that a genuine piece of jewelry awaits inside.

3.- Yves Klein Blue

Yves Klein not only trademarked this blue, close to electric blue, for its intensity and tone, but also gave it its own name: Klein International Blue. No brand can use that exact shade in their creations without risking legal action.

4.- Louboutin Red

The legal battle between Louboutin and Yves Saint Laurent is well known. Shoe designer Louboutin painted the sole of a pair of heels red using a house assistant’s nail polish. From then on, the design became iconic, recognizable by its red sole.

However, Yves Saint Laurent copied the idea. As often happens with trademarked colors, Louboutin took the case to court and won, though only partially. Anyone can use red soles, as long as the shoe itself is not the same color and does not create contrast with the sole. A partial, and insufficient, victory, as Louboutin has continued to pursue legal action.

5.- El Corte Inglés Green

The Spanish department store El Corte Inglés may not have the same global recognition as the previously mentioned brands, but that has not stopped it from trademarking the color of its logo. It has done so, and the term “El Corte Inglés green” is often used to refer to this specific shade.

6.- T-Mobile Magenta

T-Mobile trademarked the color magenta, causing controversy within the international community. The issue arose because magenta is considered a primary color and, in theory, should not be eligible for trademark protection.

However, the trademark was granted with restrictions and applies specifically to the use of this color by other telecommunications brands.

Are you interested in brand identity? Do you want to build outstanding brand identities? Study with us and take the first step toward achieving it.