Game of Thrones is one of HBO’s most popular series. Since its 2011 launch, it’s gained massive popularity, earning 159 Emmy nominations (winning 59) and, according to Guinness World Records, the “Most Emmy Awarded drama series.” Alongside the show, there’s a whole line of merchandise and plenty of licensing deals (even for tours of filming locations). For most people, Game of Thrones is a brand, a badge of origin linked to the series—even when used for other products.

Very short trademarks have limited protection. Sometimes, just one or two different letters is enough to avoid confusion. That’s why it’s important for companies to register not just the word mark, but also all other branding elements they use in the market. Ikea has registered not only the word but also its logo (the blue frame with the yellow oval), in both color and black-and-white.

It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes a trademark is refused because it’s against public order. That’s what happened to SIMON SMOKES for plush toys. Simon Smoke is “one of the Nightmare Critters, a group of eight characters created by Playtime Co. who presumably serve as the antithesis of the Smiling Critters (fandom.com/wiki).”