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I normally don’t highlight specific trademark approvals in posts, because there are just too many to keep up with! However, since so many Silhouette and Cricut sellers make money personalizing Santa Sacks around Christmas I’m taking a second to address the ‘Santa Sack’ trademark.
What’s Going On?
In May, the trademark for ‘Santa Sack’ was approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This means during the upcoming holiday season you cannot legally call a bag a ‘Santa Sack’ and sell it without first obtaining permission in writing from the trademark owner. Usually, a trademark owner will not grant permission without a licensing or royalty fee.
Of course, you can still use the words ‘Santa Sack’ on things like a wooden sign or a tee shirt, because the trademark registration only covers bags (specifically: Laundry bags; Laundry wash bags; Canvas bags for laundry; Cloth bags for laundry; Cloth bags for storage; Portable toy storage bag).
Alternate Wording Suggestions
The approval of this trademark doesn’t mean you can’t sell Santa Sacks, it just means that you cannot call them Santa Sacks. Here’s a few alternates:
- Santa bags
- Santa totes
- Santa packs
*All three terms were checked against the TESS database and are not trademarked as of 9/30/17.
Trademark Registration
Here’s a copy of the trademark registration for Santa Sack:
Spread the word on Pinterest:
Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available through the Design with Me series.
Stacey
Tuesday 10th of October 2017
I have to say, I'm sick to death of people copyrighting craft stuff. Sayings are being copyrighted that are common language, but how many of us small business crafters can afford to fight it? It's getting ridiculous.
Christine
Wednesday 11th of October 2017
You are not alone, Stacey!
Dee
Sunday 8th of October 2017
Does this mean canadaians can't use the name either ?
Christine
Monday 9th of October 2017
If you are selling in the US, no you can't. Here's international trademark information: https://cuttingforbusiness.com/2016/10/25/international-trademark-info-for-crafters/
Nicole padgett
Sunday 8th of October 2017
Can you please give us an idea where we can buy these sand "bags" for wholesale pricing so we can create our on vinyl "Santa bags"? Thank you for all you do.
Christine
Monday 9th of October 2017
Alibaba and AliExpress have several designs at great prices: https://cuttingforbusiness.com/2016/10/05/alibaba-aliexpress-dhgate/
Chantal Fisher
Thursday 5th of October 2017
Just to say that there is a company in the UK that has been in business for some time named Santa Sack Co - so this can't apply to the UK :-)
Christine
Saturday 7th of October 2017
Yes, this is US based. Here's where you'll find the trademark database for the UK: https://cuttingforbusiness.com/2016/10/25/international-trademark-info-for-crafters/
Cheryl Berry
Thursday 5th of October 2017
Thank you for sharing this information!!
Christine
Saturday 7th of October 2017
Happy to share!