Seattle Trademark Lawyer

There’s an election today here in Buenos Aires. To an American, this is interesting for several reasons. First, the election is held on a Sunday, so everyone can vote. Second, voting is mandatory. Third, you can’t buy booze today, in order to promote clear decision-making. Granted, I was a poly-sci major in college, but I find these election-day differences fascinating.

There are some differences on the trademark front as well. I came across an ad for Rodolfo D’Onofrio, a candidate who hales from River Plate, a well-to-do part of Buenos Aires. River Plate is also home of Club Atlético River Plate, a beloved local soccer team. What’s strange is he adopts the red-sash design used by the soccer team (“A president for River”). Even to a foreigner like me, his reference to the team is obvious. Now, it’s possible the red-sash design refers to the neighborhood, which the soccer team has borrowed, but the team is so well-loved in parts here that I have a hard time believing Sr. D’Onofrio isn’t seeking to enshroud himself in the team’s goodwill.

Can you imagine a political candidate in the States borrowing Yankee pinstripes, colors, and old-timey lettering in an ad that says he’s New York’s candidate?

Sr. D’Onofrio’s ad (above left), Club Atlético River Plate’s logo (above right), and the outside of River Plate’s stadium before a match (above center).

(Photo by STL.)