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Colors You Can't Use

The Story Behind Trademarked Shades

Examples of famous trademarked colors including Tiffany Blue, Hermès Orange, Louboutin Red soles, and UPS Brown.

Some colors are so closely tied to a brand’s identity, they’ve been legally locked down. You can wear them, paint your walls with them—but in certain industries, you can’t use them commercially without a legal headache.


Here are some of the most famously trademarked shades:


Tiffany Blue® – This robin’s egg blue is more than a color—it’s a brand. Trademarked by Tiffany & Co. and registered as Pantone 1837 (the year the company was founded), it’s legally protected for jewelry packaging and promotional use.


Hermès Orange – Wartime shortages led Hermès to switch to orange boxes. The look caught on. Today, the vibrant shade is a trademarked symbol of French luxury—and it’s off-limits for rival packaging.


Louboutin Red – The bold red soles of Christian Louboutin’s high heels are trademarked - but only when paired with an otherwise contrasting shoe. It’s not the red that’s protected - it’s the combination.


UPS Brown – Officially Pantone 462C, this shade is tied so strongly to the United Parcel Service that it’s trademarked for delivery services. “What can Brown do for you?” Quite a bit, legally speaking.


Barbie Pink – Mattel trademarked its signature pink in the world of toys, dolls, and related merchandise. The exact shade evokes a very specific universe of bubblegum, plastic, and brand recognition.


T-Mobile Magenta – Known for fiercely defending its magenta, T-Mobile owns the rights to this bright pink hue in telecom and tech branding. Companies have been sued over even similar shades.


John Deere Green & Yellow – It’s not just the green or yellow—it’s the combo that’s protected. If your tractor looks too much like John Deere’s, you may get a cease-and-desist instead of a harvest.


Wiffle Ball Yellow – The bright yellow Wiffle Ball bat isn’t just nostalgic—it’s trademarked. That pop of color is part of the brand’s identity on playgrounds and in backyards.

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