Ever since I was in Door County Wisconsin, I have been intrigued by these non-traditional trademarks. http://www.eater.com/2010/9/17/6718851/wisconsin-restaurant-trademarks-goats-on-the-roof-concept

https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/cert/15-866 On October 31, 2016, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Star Athletica, LLC v. Varsity Brands, Inc., a copyright case regarding the “separability” of design elements from useful articles. Varsity Brands, Inc. (“Varsity”) sued Star Athletica for reproducing its registered designs on cheerleading uniforms, claiming that the designs — such as, chevrons, zigzags, and lines — should be afforded copyright protection because they are s

This was a partial win for the Converse brand. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/24/business/for-chuck-taylor-a-sole-trademark-is-upheld.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FTrademarks%20and%20Trade%20Names&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=collection