Building Shapes as Trademarks

If the shape of a building is distinctive enough, the United States Patent and Trademark Office is often prepared to register it as a trademark. Here are a few examples:

1. The Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco

2. The Guggenheim Museum

3. The Chrysler Building – both in New York City

4. The Citicorp Centre

5. The Wrigley Building – both in Chicago

6. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame building in Cleveland, Ohio.

The shape (and colour) of McDonald’s’ golden arches is also a registered trademark.