Led Zeppelin has submitted paperwork for a US trademark for “The Led Zeppelin Experience” on March 5. This could lead to an exhibition that uses hologram technology. The band’s lawyers filed for an extension just before the March 9 deadline. The US government had previously rejected their trademark application in December, saying the name was too similar to the band’s existing trademark. If the extension is granted, the lawyers will have until June to argue why the band should regain control of the trademark.
Trademark attorney Xavier Morales noted that the provisional refusal puts Led Zeppelin in a tricky situation, which many famous brands face. Statistics show that 80% to 90% of appeals against descriptive refusals are upheld.
The three surviving members of Led Zeppelin, along with John Bonham’s estate, started planning The Led Zeppelin Experience back in 2017. They initially filed for the trademark on November 2, 2017, and it was approved in 2019. However, the band let the trademark lapse last year after missing the renewal deadline.
In June 2018, the group set up a UK business called Company 2018, which focuses on organizing exhibitions and fairs. Each surviving member and Pat Bonham owns 25% of the company, which remains active and submits annual accounts.
In December 2017, Jason Bonham changed the name of his band from “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience” to “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening” to help free up the name for the project. The band also holds trademarks for The Led Zeppelin Experience in the UK and Europe, which will expire in November 2027.
