A fairly popular local event is facing some backlash after registering their event’s name as a trademark in the Philippines. Some comments are pointing out it shouldn’t be possible to file such a trademark, even bringing up similar cases from the past, such as The Fine Brothers debacle.
In 2016, the YouTube channel The Fine Brothers faced global backlash after attempting to trademark the word “react,” along with similar terms such as “kids react,” “celebrities react,” and “adults react.” They also started going after content creators who used these terms in their video titles, issuing takedown notices. Moving forward, they wanted to form a licensing network, known as React World, that would allow other creators to use these terms and even some of the assets of their React branding through licensing and revenue fees.  
Naturally, the Internet’s reaction was to ridicule this decision, claiming that they shouldn’t be able to trademark a common term or phrase. As more people started unfollowing, the duo eventually decided to withdraw all takedown claims and discontinue their plans of forming the licensing network. 
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a method of protecting ways of recognizing a brand. Trademarks cover brand logos, taglines, business names, and slogans. Think of iconic appearances like the Nike swoosh or The Manila Bulletin’s iconic blue text. Before a trademark can push through, however, it undergoes a lengthy process of forms, evaluations, and being publicly published. If no protests or claims are filed within a set amount of time, the trademark pushes through.  
Enter Ren Faire PH. Ren Faire PH is a local festival event that acts as an immersive experience for medieval and fantasy enthusiasts. It takes its name after similar events that take place in the US and held its first-ever event in Baguio City back in 2024. In a recent Facebook post, Ren Faire PH shared that they have registered Ren Faire PH as a trademark in the Philippines to protect their group’s identity. They have also called on other local organizers to refrain from naming events that closely resemble Ren Faire PH in any way, including variations like “Ren Faire Manila” or “Reign Fair.” While the post makes the registry seem recent, a search under the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Brand Database reveals that the trademark had been filed as far back as Nov. 9, 2023, and was officially published on March 11, 2024. 
Since the post went up, commenters have aired out their reactions about Ren Faire PH’s trademark decision. Most comments point out that the term “ren faire” is too common to file under a trademark. Others also mention that the same term is already in use for events abroad. Renaissance fairs have also been a popular event in the US as far back as the ‘60s. From its responses to questions regarding the legality of their trademark, Ren Faire PH states they underwent a rigorous check. According to the page’s reply to one comment asking for clarification, the trademark filing was approved since it was not a used term at all in the Philippines before the establishment of Ren Faire PH. They also mention that before Ren Faire PH, there were no similar events held locally. 
With the amount of online backlash Ren Faire PH received with the post, it’s uncertain what their next move will be. Will they double down and assert their right over the trademark filing, or will they go the Fine Brothers route and withdraw their filing? Only time will tell what mark they choose to leave. Ren Faire PH’s trademark filing expires on April 11, 2034. Once it expires, Ren Faire PH will have to file for an extension, and anyone can file a protest should they consider extending the trademark.