The trade mark vote has invited the public to choose an iconic UK mark as the registry celebrates 150 years. The registry protects more than 2.5 million trade marks. By lunch, a blank card led the field with confidence and no promises.
Trade mark vote opens with a blank card in front
The Intellectual Property Office says the registry recorded the first UK trade mark on New Year’s Day in 1876. Therefore, the anniversary poses a serious question: which symbol has carried the nation with the greatest poise? Voters immediately praised the blank card for its clean lines and complete lack of legal correspondence.
An empty trophy waits for commitment
Voters can select an iconic mark from the past or present. Meanwhile, the Office of Symbolic Feelings unveiled a gold trophy with no inscription, because engraving it would imply a decision. The trophy has already hired a small team to manage expectations.
Registry staff explained that trade marks help people distinguish goods and services. That is useful. However, the blank card has distinguished itself mainly by refusing to identify any goods, services, era or emotional position. People who own several lanyards call it a bold minimalist intervention.
One fictional clerk proposed a shortlist. First, it needed a longlist. Next, the longlist required a framework to decide whether it could become short enough. Finally, someone placed the blank card on top of the pile and called this public engagement.
The vote celebrates a registry that now protects more than 2.5 million marks. It also gives Britain a rare chance to judge an icon without a website asking people to refresh, download an app or remember a password. The blank card remains available for interviews, although it has said nothing so far.
At the close of play, the trophy had no winner and the ballot box held many perfectly empty cards. Officials called the process open, accessible and very on brand. Nobody could say which brand.
Source: UK Government.
