For over a century, The Campbell Soup Company has dominated pantry shelves and meal tables across the country. Whether it’s soup to help you fight a cold or to make your favorite holiday casseroles, Campbell’s has been there through it all. While the company made a name for itself over the years with its various soups, it has continued to evolve and expand into other products. In a testament to this growth, CEO Mark Clouse recently stated that today, the company is “so much more than soup.”
(Image from: CNN)
It was recently announced that The Campbell Soup Company plans to stir things up by proposing a name change. The new proposed name, “The Campbell’s Company,” will be up for shareholders’ approval at the upcoming annual meeting. This rebranding aims to highlight the company’s focus on its 16 brands across its meals, beverages, and snacks divisions. The company’s subtle change is important to note since it was intentionally framed as a way to preserve the recognition and reputation of their products.
(Image from: Campbell’s Soup Company)
Interestingly, this is not the first time the company has undergone a name change. The word “Soup,” which is now being dropped, wasn’t added to the original name until 1922, when the company became “The Campbell Soup Company.” Before that, the company was named after the Anderson & Campbell firm, which was established in 1869.
Despite the name change, the company will still be widely known as “Campbell’s.” While this name will remain, the change raises questions about what will happen to the company’s intellectual property. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) allows for updates to the ownership details for existing trademark registrations or pending applications, though supporting documents may be required depending on the nature of the change. Additionally, trademark registrations and applications can be transferred to a new entity if the company undergoes restructuring.
Ultimately, knowing the proper channels to utilize is key to ensuring any existing intellectual property is protected amidst company changes. It is also important to consider how a name change will impact your brand’s recognition and ensure that the new name does not conflict with existing trademark applications or registrations by conducting thorough searches with the USPTO.
Want to learn more about filing your own trademark application? Need assistance updating your trademark application or registration ownership information with the USPTO? Feel free to call or email us at (713) 364-4796 or admin@madan-law.com.