Kevin Plank founded Under Armour on September 25, 1996. The same year, he applied for a trademark to protect the name UNDER ARMOUR. In 1999, Baltimore’s Under Amour became a Trademark. In September 2019, the trademark was successfully renewed. Plank selected the traditional British spelling “ARMOUR” rather than the typical American because he felt the distinction in spelling was more compelling.
Plank was a former University of Maryland football player. Initially, Plank began the business in his grandmother’s basement. During that time, he traveled the East Coast with the apparel. As the business grew, Plank moved to Baltimore. Eventually, he moved to the current headquarters at Tide Point.
Under Armour’s Baltimore Roots
Since its launch, the company has opened offices around the world. In fact, the company has offices on five continents. However, the company has strong Baltimore roots. Plank has a simple philosophy: “Bet on Maryland.” True to the philosophy, the company revealed its new global headquarter plans. Accordingly, the location is set to be Port Covington, Baltimore. So, even though Under Armour has extended its branches globally, it has not forgotten its Baltimore roots!
Baltimore’s Under Armour is a Trademark
The company continues to grow in size and innovation. However, the company sought trademark protection early in its history. In fact, the date of the trademark application was August 13, 1996. Accordingly, it was officially registered on September 21, 1999. Plank sought protection early on in the process. He knew his innovation and passion would amount to immense success.
Since becoming a trademark, Under Armour has had a myriad of trademark disputes. The company does not want other companies to use “Armour” to avoid confusion with its own brand. Under Armour has sued Body Armor, a sports-drink company; Salt Armour, a Florida fishing-apparel firm; and Ass Armor, maker of shock-absorbing snowboarding shorts.
To Register Your Baltimore Trademark…
Contact Attorney Charles Riddle for a consultation to get your trademark registered. Attorney Riddle is a licensed patent attorney who manages several trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios for clients. With over twenty years of experience in the practice of intellectual property law, attorney Riddle will protect your brand. Visit Esquire Trademarks for more information.