That Name Sounds Familiar...and that's the legal problem
Looking at the Tina Turner/Simply Tina trademark dispute for brand protection insight.
You know how I'm always looking for exciting, fun, and genuinely relevant ways to break down trademark law? That's because understanding these strategies directly empowers you to protect the brilliance you're building in your business, making it anything but boring! And let me tell you, the ongoing 'Simply Tina' trademark dispute—between the iconic Tina Turner estate and the tribute band—is a goldmine for lessons that apply directly to your bold brand.
One of the juiciest concepts popping up from this case is what we call a "perceived connection." It’s not about outright copying. It’s about the subtle, sometimes unintentional, signals you (or others) send that might make your audience believe there’s an official link where none exists.
Think about it: the "Simply Tina" band isn't trying to be Tina Turner. But are they creating an impression that they're authorized by her estate? That's the core question! And this idea of a "perceived connection" is a huge deal in your business, too.
It means that even if someone claims to be "inspired by" your framework, or uses your brand name in a way that implies an affiliation (saying they're "certified by [Your Brand Name]" without your permission), it can dilute your unique position and confuse your audience. That confusion directly impacts your brand's integrity and value.
Reflection for you:
Where in your brand (or others' use of your brand) might there be a "perceived connection" that needs clarifying or protecting?
This is just one of many fascinating points from the Tina Turner case that we can learn from. It’s truly incredible how much strategic gems these disputes offer!
I unpack this, and more, in my latest article, That Name Sounds Familiar…and that’s the legal problem: Protecting Your Bold Brand from Perceived Connections, Unnoticed Infringement, and Good Intentions. You can also catch my full breakdown on the TCIL C-Suite Legal Lounge podcast. Links below!
Find out more about this exciting case:
📝Read the article:
🎧 Listen to the podcast:
🚀 Ready to take action? Join my Masterclass: That Name Sounds Familiar…and that’s the legal problem. What the Tina Turner/Simply Tina Trademark Teaches You About Protecting Your Brand’s Legacy
Stick around. Subscribe. I’ll be back with more on this soon.
What's your take on "perceived connections" in branding? Drop a comment! 👇🏾
Tonia Fisher is an intellectual property attorney and business strategist who helps entrepreneurs protect their brilliance and build boldly. As the founder of The Culture Is Local™ and Vibrantly Clear™ with Tonia, she blends legal insight with real-world strategy to help entrepreneurs safeguard what they’ve built—and grow what’s next—with confidence, clarity, and joy.
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