Naming in an AI Age
By: The NameStormers
Language: en-us
Categories: Business, Marketing
Join members of the NameStormers team as they explore the nuances of the creative nature of name generation, the mechanics behind trademark screening, and the importance of consumer research, with various guests featured along the way!
Episodes
How to Avoid “Name Slop”: Why AI-Generated Names Fail & What to Do About It
Jan 08, 2026"Name slop" warns that AI spits out polished but interchangeable names—repeating familiar patterns and suffixes—which hurts memorability, trust, and raises legal/rebrand risk. People buy meaning, not words; great names must be defensible, pronounceable, discoverable, and able to carry a story. Use AI for ideas and speed, but let humans apply trademark checks, phonetic tests, category clarity, and narrative judgment before choosing.
Duration: 00:04:22Why Getting a Trademark Registration Is So Much Harder
Dec 04, 2025In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Ashley Elliott explains why trademarking a name has become increasingly challenging. Global trademark filings have nearly doubled over the past decade, from 6 million in 2015 to 11.7 million in 2024, with significant concentrations in countries like China and growing activity in emerging markets such as India, which filed roughly 540,000 trademarks in 2024. The rise of e-commerce, especially during COVID, fueled spikes in filings as online-first sellers raced to protect new product lines. This growth in filings has led to more oppositions, monitoring, and marketplace enforcement, making it harder to...
Duration: 00:03:12DuPont & Polaroid Factors: Infringement and Likelihood of Confusion
Nov 20, 2025Naming a brand requires both creative thinking and an understanding of how trademark examiners and courts evaluate potential conflicts, using frameworks like the USPTO’s DuPont factors and the courts’ Polaroid factors to assess likelihood of confusion. They look at the strength and distinctiveness of existing marks, how similar two names sound or appear, whether the goods or services target the same customers, and whether an established brand might reasonably expand into a new category. Real-world confusion, overlapping marketing channels, how carefully customers make purchase decisions, and any evidence of intentional copying also carry significant weight.
DuPont vs Polaroid: Infringement and Likelihood of Confusion Explained
Nov 14, 2025In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Ashley Elliott breaks down the two main trademark frameworks—DuPont and Polaroid. The DuPont Factors, used by the USPTO and TTAB, determine whether a name can be federally registered, while the Polaroid Factors, applied by courts, assess real-world trademark infringement and consumer confusion. Both focus on “likelihood of confusion” but in different contexts—one administrative, the other legal. Ashley walks through key elements like the strength and similarity of marks, proximity of goods, potential brand expansion, evidence of confusion, marketing channels, buyer attention, and intent to copy...
Duration: 00:06:56How to Avoid Getting Sued
Oct 24, 2025In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Mike Carr and Ashley Elliott discuss how to reduce legal risk in brand naming, using the Smucker’s vs. Trader Joe’s case as an example. They contrast descriptive names like Trader Joe’s Crustless Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Sandwiches - clear but hard to protect - with distinctive names like Smucker’s Uncrustables, which are unique and ownable.
Mike and Ashley explain that naming strategy should align with business goals: private labels can lean on descriptive names, while national brands need distinctive ones to stand...
Duration: 00:12:45How to Read a USPTO Trademark Regestration
Oct 16, 2025In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Ashley Elliott explains how to read a USPTO trademark record using Nike as an example. She clarifies that multiple “Nike” entries represent different filings for various product classes, like clothing, footwear, and digital goods. Each record lists the mark, status, goods and services, owner, and registration details. Clicking into a record reveals more specifics—filing and registration dates, serial numbers, and the goods and services description that defines protection scope. Ashley emphasizes that U.S. trademark rights are based on first use, not first filing, and ad...
Duration: 00:04:20How To Use Your Trademark Correctly
Oct 09, 2025Using your trademark properly is just as important as registering it. Misuse can weaken protection and even make a mark generic. Trademarks should act as adjectives, not nouns or verbs—say “Nike shoes,” not “Nikes” or “I’ll FedEx this.” Brands that became generic, like Escalator or Aspirin, lost their rights, while companies like Kleenex, Xerox, Google, and FedEx actively fight misuse. From the start, how you present your name shapes customer habits, which is why brands invest in correcting errors. To protect your mark, always use it correctly, educate others, and guard against genericide before it erodes a valuable asset.<
Duration: 00:03:53Trademark Law and Naming Strategy: Why Distinctive Names Matter
Sep 25, 2025The spectrum of distinctiveness explains why some brand names are stronger than others in trademark protection and branding. Generic terms like “milk” or “bread” can never be protected, while descriptive names such as “Quick Print” are weak unless they gain recognition. Suggestive names like Coppertone or Netflix are inherently distinctive, balancing creativity and clarity. Arbitrary marks like Apple for computers are highly protectable but need marketing to link them to the product. At the top are fanciful names like Kodak or Verizon—completely invented, legally strongest, and iconic with investment. The takeaway: the more distinctive the name, the stronger the protection...
Duration: 00:06:46Trademark: What’s the difference between a Knockout Search and a Clearance Search?
Sep 11, 2025When naming a business, product, or service, start with a knockout search—a quick, early check to rule out obvious conflicts and overused patterns while shaping creative direction. Once you’ve narrowed to top contenders, move to a comprehensive search led by an IP attorney. This deeper, time-intensive review uncovers hidden risks that quick checks miss and ensures your chosen name can be legally protected before launch.
Disclaimer: We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. We always recommend consulting an IP attorney.
Duration: 00:04:15Trademark and Copyright Symbols When to use TM, Ⓡ , and ©
Sep 04, 2025This episode explains the difference between trademarks and copyright. The TM symbol signals a claim on a name or logo but offers no legal protection, while the Ⓡ symbol is for USPTO-registered trademarks and carries legal weight. Copyright, on the other hand, protects creative works—books, music, art, software—by covering expression, not brand identity. In short: trademarks protect identity, copyright protects expression.
Duration: 00:03:37Understanding Trademark Classes
Aug 28, 2025In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Ashley Elliott explains trademark classes and why they matter. Trademarks are divided into 45 classes of goods and services, meaning the same name can exist in different classes—like Delta Airlines and Delta Faucets. A common myth is that one filing covers all categories, but protection only applies to the classes you file in. Filing too narrowly leaves gaps; too broadly raises costs and risks conflict. In the U.S., entrepreneurs can file under “Use in Commerce” (already in the market) or “Intent to Use” (reserve rights before launch). The takeaway: strike a b...
Duration: 00:04:05Is a USPTO Search Good Enough?
Aug 21, 2025A USPTO search is a good first step, but it doesn’t guarantee brand protection. The federal database only covers federally filed trademarks, leaving out state registers, the Trademark Official Gazette (with recently approved marks), and common law rights from simply using a name in commerce. That means small businesses, Etsy shops, YouTube channels, or local restaurants may have enforceable rights even if they don’t appear in the USPTO system. To avoid conflicts and build a strong brand, a clearance search should cover federal, state, and online sources—like Google, domains, and social media—and be followed by an IP...
Duration: 00:02:43USPTO Trademark Search Pros, Cons, and Watch-outs
Aug 07, 2025Before picking a business or brand name, check the USPTO’s TESS database to see if it's already federally trademarked. The basic search finds exact matches, while the expert search digs deeper for phonetic or visual similarities and class-specific conflicts. Still, TESS doesn't show common law trademarks, state registrations, or domain/social media use. Since trademark law hinges on potential confusion, missing a similar name could jeopardize your brand. In today’s fast-paced world, consulting an IP attorney is the best way to ensure your name is clear and protected.
Disclaimer: We are not attorneys and do not...
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Names That Actually Work!
Jul 31, 2025In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Ashley Elliott unpacks how non-alcoholic beverage brands use naming to stand out in a vibe-driven market. She outlines four naming strategies: descriptive (e.g., Hop Water), suggestive (e.g., Recess, Trip), abstract (e.g., Hiyo, De Soi), and unconventional (e.g., Cornbread). While descriptive names offer clarity, Ashley argues that suggestive and abstract names better capture emotion and brand potential in a space where mood often outweighs function.
Duration: 00:05:56Naming: When You Need a Detailed Creative Brief
Jul 24, 2025In this episode, Mike Carr highlights the importance of a detailed creative brief for high-stakes naming projects, especially for global or brand-focused clients. Unlike simpler briefs, a comprehensive one defines naming architecture, brand strategy, and long-term goals. Carr stresses clarifying the name’s purpose, desired tone, and brand archetype, while also choosing the right semantic and tonal style. Even if clients don’t see the full brief, it leads to stronger, more strategic names—whether created by people or AI.
Duration: 00:05:59Creative Briefs & Their Role in Name Development
Jul 17, 2025In this episode of Naming in an AI Age, Mike Carr explores the role of the creative brief in naming. While briefs can seem unnecessary—especially for niche or local businesses—Mike emphasizes their value in clarifying a name’s purpose, audience, and competitive edge. A short, focused brief is often enough. He also highlights how AI can assist in generating name ideas, but human insight is still key to refining and selecting the best options.
Duration: 00:01:55AI Naming: The Right Way to Use AI for Brand and Product Names
Jul 10, 2025In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, Mike Carr explains how AI can enhance naming when used strategically. He warns against basic prompts and generic testing, noting that AI needs brand-specific context. Carr introduces "context engineering"—feeding AI detailed inputs like brand strategy and audience insights—to generate better names. He covers prompt structuring, using advanced models like GPT-4o, and the continued importance of human intuition and critical thinking. While AI accelerates idea generation, naming experts remain key for legal checks, real-world testing, and team alignment.
Duration: 00:13:51The Naming Experts: Over 30 Years of Brand-Building Success
Jul 03, 2025On this throwback episode, NameStormers co-founder Mike Carr revisits a 1990s CNN spot to show that naming basics haven’t changed: set clear, business-specific goals; back choices with research and testing (including foreign-language checks); avoid personal names that limit trademarks and growth; and turn plain descriptors into distinctive, suggestive marks.
Duration: 00:07:42Branding & Naming Guidelines: 10 Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Jun 26, 2025In this episode, Mike Carr highlights the top ten mistakes companies make with branding and naming guidelines. He explains how long, rigid documents often go unused and how internal focus can alienate teams and confuse customers. Using examples from OpenAI, Intel, Xbox, BMW, and Toyota, he stresses the importance of flexible, customer-first strategies, clear quick-start guides, and dynamic, AI-powered tools that evolve with the market.
Duration: 00:15:5340 Years of Naming: What I Learned Building a Creative Naming Agency
Jun 19, 2025In this episode of Naming in the AI Age, NameStormers CEO & Cofounder Mike Carr explains that while AI can enhance naming tasks, it can't replace the strategic thinking and creativity needed to stand out. With rising competition and less focus on SEO, success depends on specialization and expertise. Carr highlights the need for data-driven methods that capture real emotional responses, and cautions against rushing to market in today’s fast-paced branding landscape.
Duration: 00:17:19Naming Hacks for Success in the AI Age
Jun 12, 2025In this episode of Naming in an AI Age, Mike Carr shares 10 essential naming hacks to improve the success of any naming project. He emphasizes starting with the right mindset by asking who the name is truly for—usually not yourself—and what you want the name to do. Strategic thinking should precede AI use, which can otherwise become a crutch too early in the process. Team dynamics matter: remove negativity by encouraging advocacy, delay initial reactions, and gather independent, anonymous votes before discussion to reduce bias. AI can help with early trademark and linguistic checks, but not final lega...
Duration: 00:11:36What's Your Brand Name Worth?
May 29, 2025In this episode of Naming in an AI Age, Mike Carr examines the value of a name by comparing "Omgo" and "Health Crafter." While Health Crafter is descriptive and clear, Omgo—short, abstract, and versatile—offers greater long-term brand potential, especially with its .com domain. Omgo’s layered meanings and global appeal make it ideal for broad applications, but Carr stresses that a name’s real worth lies in the branding built around it—logo, story, investment, and vision.
Duration: 00:06:55AI Naming Strategies: Prompt Like a Pro for Better Brands
May 15, 2025In this episode, Mike Carr shows how to become "AI native" in name development by using strategic, iterative prompting to create more relevant brand names. He shares a fun cat toy example and draws on insights from experts like Shelly Palmer, who suggests using a personal JSON file to guide AI. Key tips include clear direction, competitor and SWOT analysis, global awareness, long-term brand alignment, and data privacy.
Duration: 00:11:20Your Slogan is your Fountain of Youth
May 08, 2025In this episode of Naming in an AI Age, Mike Carr highlights the growing importance of slogans and taglines. He calls a great tagline a brand’s “fountain of youth”—keeping it fresh, clear, and emotionally resonant. Taglines can energize dull names, clarify positioning, and act as a “verbal logo” when visuals aren’t available. When names fall short, a strong slogan adds context and impact. Mike wraps up by sharing Andy Crestodina’s framework for smarter AI prompting to craft better taglines.
Duration: 00:10:56The One Thing You Need for is a Truly Great Name
May 01, 2025In this episode, Mike Carr argues that creating a great name relies on human intuition, not technology. While AI tools can support brainstorming, the strongest names resonate emotionally. Carr shares the stories behind "Cherubs" tomatoes and "Death Wish Coffee," showing how emotional thinking—not rational analysis—led to names that connected deeply with people. He emphasizes the importance of testing for emotional reactions rather than logical opinions, reinforcing that human instincts are key to successful branding.
Duration: 00:08:07AI is your Coach, not your Substitute
Apr 24, 2025In this episode, Mike Carr stresses using AI as a coach, not a replacement—like how real coaches build skills through practice. Citing MIT economist Sinan Aral’s idea of AI as "a bicycle for the mind," Carr shares research showing that AI helped low-performing call center workers improve, with lasting effects even after AI was removed. He applies this to naming, arguing AI should guide users to observe real reactions, not just guess. Success in naming comes from response, not opinion. Used this way, AI sharpens instincts, boosts creativity, and enhances decision-making.
Duration: 00:11:40AI and the Future of Naming: How Personalization and Expertise Drive Success
Feb 04, 2025In this episode, Mike Carr dives into AI’s growing role in branding and naming, emphasizing how personalized prompts lead to better results. Inspired by Dana Malstaff of Boss Moms, he highlights the power of building an AI history—providing brand context, competitors, budget, and trademark needs—to generate more relevant names, taglines, and rationale. While AI tools like Gemini 1.5 Pro and Claude are game-changers, they can’t replace human expertise in trademark clearance and strategy.
Duration: 00:10:07AI and Naming in 2025: Bleeding Creativity with Human Intuition
Jan 28, 2025In this episode, Namestormers Co-founder and CEO Mike Carr explores how AI is revolutionizing naming, generating creative, professional-quality ideas with incredible speed. However, as Mike highlights, AI lacks in areas like trademark screening, cultural nuances, and emotional resonance—key spaces where human expertise shines.
Using a smart toothbrush case study, Mike compares the bold appeal of "Smart Mouth" with the clarity of "Intelligent Toothbrush," emphasizing the need to balance AI efficiency with human intuition. While AI is a powerful brainstorming tool, Mike concludes that crafting truly impactful names still relies on human judgment.
Sweet or Spooky? The Best and Worst Halloween Candy Names
Oct 29, 2024In this podcast episode NameStormers CEO Mike Carr and Director of Ops Ashley Elliott examine the quirky and edgy world of Halloween candy names, exploring how fun, memorable names like Twizzlers and Skittles excite, while descriptive ones like Mr. Goodbar and Candy Corn evoke taste or imagery. Overall candy names can play a critical role in whether a treat becomes a household favorite or gets traded away after trick-or-treating.
Duration: 00:11:32Sierra Mist-Information: Trademarks, Copyrights, and Fact Checking
Oct 15, 2024In this episode of Naming in an AI Age, NameStormers Director of Ops Ashley Elliott and CEO Mike Carr discuss a viral incident involving an influencer named Cierra Misst, who claimed PepsiCo sent her a cease and desist letter after rebranding their lemon-lime drink Sierra Mist to Starry.
They clarify that while she alleged Pepsi let the trademark lapse, this was misleading; PepsiCo still owns the Sierra Mist trademark, as confirmed by the USPTO. Mike emphasizes the importance of maintaining trademarks in a crowded market, especially with AI creating similar names, and notes that t...
Duration: 00:08:23From Brainstorm to Brand: A Client’s Journey
Oct 01, 2024This week, NameStormers CEO Mike Carr and Director of Ops Ashley Elliott discuss the evolving role of AI in naming, highlighting a project journey for an outdoor lifestyle brand's bug repellent. While AI generated initial ideas, human creativity was crucial in refining names due to trademark concerns. The process involved presenting names with visual context, client feedback, and adjustments based on packaging and trademark needs. The key takeaway is that the best names market an experience, not just functionality. The hosts also recommend The Power of Instinct by Leslie Zane, emphasizing the importance of...
Duration: 00:10:24Trademark Awareness: Very Demure, Very Mindful
Sep 17, 2024In this episode of Naming in an AI Age, NameStormers, Director of Ops Ashley Elliott and CEO Mike Carr discuss the complexities of trademarking viral phrases, using TikTok content creator Jools Lebron’s catchphrase "very demure, very mindful" as an example.
Jools faced challenges trademarking the phrase for beauty products due to trademark trolls, including individuals who filed for the phrase before her. Mike explains that while catchphrases can be trademarked if used in commerce, they must be filed in specific product classes, and extensions are possible for up to 18 months.
Common law usage rights can...
Naming Systems Strategy and Hierarchy
Sep 03, 2024In this podcast, Ashley Elliott and Mike Carr explore the complexities of naming strategies, emphasizing the importance of context in making naming decisions. They discuss how names like "Dunkalatte" are designed for clarity and brand consistency, while luxury EVs, such as Ford’s "Mustang Mach-E," leverage existing brand equity and signal innovation. The conversation highlights the need to balance creativity with practicality, ensuring naming systems are flexible for future growth. They also stress the importance of considering the target audience's familiarity with the brand, legal availability, and cultural appropriateness, especially for global brands. Ultimately, effective naming requires a th...
Duration: 00:09:31Effective Naming and Branding Strategies
Aug 20, 2024In the podcast "Naming in an AI Age," Mike and Ashley discuss the critical factors in naming a product, emphasizing the need to understand both the competitive landscape and target audience. Using Desert Glory’s "Cherubs" tomatoes as a case study, they highlight how the name cleverly evokes both "cherry" tomatoes and cute, small angels, making it memorable and effective. The episode contrasts master brand strategies, which use a single name for all products, with niche branding, which targets specific product attributes. Mike also stresses the importance of testing names to gauge their effectiveness and appeal.
Duration: 00:06:10The Art of Naming: Elevating your Brand
Aug 13, 2024In this podcast episode on naming strategies, Ashley Elliott and Mike Carr discuss the importance of selecting a name that aligns with the desired look, feel, and emotional resonance for a product. Using the example of Intergraph's CAD CAM platform competing against Autodesk, they illustrate how the name "Solid Edge" was chosen to convey both functional and aspirational qualities, appealing to engineers by emphasizing stability and innovation. The conversation highlights the need to balance emotional and functional elements and understand the target audience in naming decisions.
Duration: 00:07:19Taglines and AI: Navigating Branding in a Digital Age
Aug 06, 2024This week on "Naming in the AI Age," Namestormers Ashley Elliott and Mike Carr discuss the evolving relevance of taglines in today’s fast-paced digital world. While some critique taglines as outdated distractions, Mike argues for their enduring value, suggesting they enhance brand names by providing emotional appeal and differentiation. He highlights examples like Dr. Pepper's changing taglines and discusses how AI tools, such as Meta's LLAMA 3.1, are revolutionizing tagline creation with precision and efficiency. The podcast emphasizes that, despite varying opinions, taglines remain crucial for branding, and AI is becoming a key resource in crafting impactful and me...
Duration: 00:08:45Navigating the Edge: Balancing Edgy Names and Brand Strategy
Jul 30, 2024NameStormers CEO, Mike Carr, discusses the impact of brand names across age groups, emphasizing that while memorable names can spark conversation, they may not support broad demographic expansion. He underscores the role of controversy in making names engaging but warns about considering consumer emotions in purchasing decisions. Carr notes challenger brands disrupt with edgy names and advises balancing uniqueness with market appeal for growth.
Duration: 00:06:555 Common Naming Mistakes
Jul 23, 2024In this episode, NameStormers CEO Mike Carr discusses the importance of choosing engaging and memorable names for products or companies, citing examples such as Snapple and eBay, which demonstrate the power of names that are not necessarily descriptive but capture attention. He also warns against the mistake of ignoring the target audience when naming a product or company. Carr emphasizes the importance of a name being memorable and sticky.
Duration: 00:07:58The Art of Naming: Insights from NameStormers
Jul 16, 2024Mike Carr, co-founder of NameStormers, highlights the company's 40 years of experience in addressing naming challenges like budget constraints, team disagreements, and legal issues. Key considerations include name length, spelling ease, memorability, branding alignment, and competitor differentiation. Their process involves understanding client needs, creating tailored strategies, and using AI tools. Clients receive valuable insights and actionable strategies, whether or not they form a partnership. NameStormers combines AI with expertise to vet names legally, culturally, and linguistically, with successful projects like Angry Orchard, Cherubs, and Tapestry for Hilton.
Duration: 00:04:31Mastering the Art of Naming: Insights from Laura Schroeder
Jul 09, 2024In this podcast, NameStormers CEO Mike Carr interviews, Laura Schroeder who discusses her transition to a naming career, highlighting the shift from tech-sounding to organic names due to trademark issues and changing preferences. She emphasizes aligning names with a brand's value, involving clients, and using surveys for feedback. Good namers need strong vocabulary and language skills. Schroeder categorizes names into descriptive, evocative, abstract, and arbitrary. Memorable names should have quick backstories, be pronounceable, and easy to spell. For rebranding, she recommends considering scalability and adaptability, using "tissue sessions" for feedback, and notes the long-term benefits of unique and intriguing...
Duration: 00:14:37Navigating Name Conflicts: Can Your Brand Share a Name with Another Company?
Jul 02, 2024In this episode, NameStormers CEO Mike Carr explores whether using the same name as another company is feasible in the AI age. While possible, it presents challenges like trademark infringement, customer confusion, and difficulty in establishing a unique brand. Using the same name might work if products, customers, pricing, and distribution channels differ, citing Dove soap and Dove chocolate as examples. However, avoiding confusion is tougher now due to more products and digital platforms. Recommendations include registering the name in a different category, minimizing the competitor's media presence, and choosing a distinctive, legally secure name. Ultimately, a unique...
Duration: 00:07:36No Name Negativity
Jun 25, 2024In this podcast episode, Ashley Elliott and Mike Carr discuss the importance of being an advocate for names rather than a critic, explaining that focusing on what's wrong with a name can lead to a negative mindset and hinder the naming process. Instead, they suggest wearing an advocate hat and discussing the potential and possibilities of names. By approaching the conversation with positivity, names can gain traction and be viewed in the right context. They also emphasize the importance of knowing the direction to head in when providing feedback on names, rather than just focusing on what to...
Duration: 00:05:13Managing Opinions of Names
Jun 18, 2024Ashley Elliott and Mike Carr discuss strategies for gathering unbiased opinions in client calls, including staying open-minded and using anonymous polls. They recommend having a manageable number of participants to ensure everyone can contribute and stress the importance of testing ideas with the target audience.
Duration: 00:07:12NameStormers’ Superpowers & What to Look for in an Agency
Jun 11, 2024In this podcast, Mike Carr and Ashley Elliott discuss essential skills for effective business naming. Ashley simplifies complex concepts, observes client reactions, and maintains strong organizational skills, while Mike leverages 40+ years of experience to offer strategic insights and navigate legal name clearance. Both emphasize visualizing names in context and continuous learning to address naming challenges.
Duration: 00:07:50AI’s Leveling the Business Playing Field
Jun 04, 2024Mike Carr discusses how AI will revolutionize large companies by reducing the need for big workforces, boosting efficiency and profitability. This change will diminish large corporations' scale advantage, allowing smaller, agile companies to compete effectively. Sam Altman predicts AI will take over 95% of tasks currently done by agencies and creative professionals, leading marketers to shift to smaller firms or independent roles. Carr envisions a new industry where marketers combine creative skills with AI to support small businesses competing with larger ones. Despite disruptions, Carr remains optimistic about the opportunities for those who adapt and merge creativity with AI.<...
Duration: 00:06:50Social Media Handles - From a Naming Perspective
May 28, 2024In the podcast "Naming in an AI Age," Ashley Elliott and Mike Carr discuss the importance of social media handles for online branding and discoverability. They explore whether to use separate handles for personal and business brands, emphasizing consistency for recognition while expressing personality. Tips include using timeless language, checking platform restrictions, and conducting trademark searches. They also suggest creative solutions like adding location identifiers or "HQ" to distinguish brands. The key points are maintaining consistency, thorough research, and legal compliance to engage followers and protect intellectual property rights.
Duration: 00:10:44Finding a Domain Name
May 21, 2024In this episode, Ashley Elliott and Mike Carr discuss the importance of domain names in the AI age. They talk about the history of the.com craze and how it has changed over the years, discussing the trend of startups straying away from the.com and opting for shorter.ai.io names. Some do's and don'ts are also provided when choosing a domain name, such as avoiding characters like dashes or numbers and not overcomplicating or awkwardly pairing words. The team also emphasizes the importance of renewing domain registrations and checking for trademark infringement.
Duration: 00:06:44Naming is Changing
May 14, 2024This week, Mike and Ashley discuss how naming is changing in the AI age. They highlight three key factors: video, digital clutter, and content. They explain that video engagement is becoming more important, as names associated with videos need to be memorable and easily spelled. They also discuss how the abundance of digital clutter requires names to be quick, engaging, and relevant to capture attention. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of content in attracting consumers, as names need to convey something important or compelling rather than being generic or descriptive. Overall, they suggest that naming in the future...
Duration: 00:06:12Should you change your company name?
May 07, 2024Mike Carr emphasizes the importance of having a strong reason for changing a company's name and involving the CEO throughout the process, citing examples like United Airlines' failed attempt and Amfac Parks and Resorts' successful rebranding to Xanterra under new leadership.
Duration: 00:06:07Naming in China
Apr 30, 2024Mike Carr discusses the challenges of naming products or brands in China due to the vast linguistic differences between English and Mandarin, with Mandarin having over 50,000 characters compared to English's 26 letters. Translating English names into Mandarin requires careful consideration to avoid negative or confusing meanings, exemplified by Coca-Cola's initial Mandarin translation. Carr advises on the importance of checking for trademark infringement and considering social media handles, suggesting assistance from law firms like Hogan Lovells or thorough research. While current AI capabilities may not fully support Chinese naming, Carr sees potential for future advancements.
Duration: 00:04:57Naming System: Branded House vs. House of Brands
Apr 23, 2024Naming can become a "house of cards" when there is no clear structure or strategy in place. Just like a house with multiple remodels and different styles, a company's naming can become disorganized and confusing through organic growth, mergers, and acquisitions. To avoid this, a naming architecture is needed, similar to a blueprint for a house. One popular type of naming architecture is the branded house, where there is one master brand and all other names are intuitive and descriptive. An example is FedEx, with FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Office. This allows for easy addition of new...
Duration: 00:05:50Naughty Naming - Words not allowed in your business name
Apr 16, 2024Mike Carr discusses the pitfalls of naming in business, citing examples like Chevrolet Nova and Coca-Cola's translation mishap in China. He highlights legal constraints on certain words and praises "Big Ass Fans" for cleverly navigating edginess without being offensive. Carr advises businesses to find a balance between humor and controversy, aiming for names that spark conversation without being vulgar.
Duration: 00:05:23Who is your Personal Brand Name for?
Apr 09, 2024In this transcript, Mike Carr discusses the single biggest problem with personal brand names. He emphasizes that personal brand names should be focused on the audience and the value they receive, rather than being solely about the individual. Carr gives examples of celebrities like Selena Gomez, KSI, Tony Robbins, and Richard Branson who prioritize delivering value to their followers and customers. He also mentions Elon Musk as an exception, as his success and innovation initially overshadowed any negative aspects of his personal brand. Carr advises individuals to consider what they are delivering to their audience and how to align...
Duration: 00:05:02Names that Cut Through the Clutter
Apr 02, 2024Mike Carr discusses the challenges of naming businesses in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of creating memorable names over generic, forgettable ones. He illustrates this with examples like Google and Amazon, contrasting them with less engaging names like Infoseek and Book Stop. Carr also highlights the significance of trust in naming, citing examples of successful strategies from companies such as Desert Glory and the Vitamin Shop, concluding that unique and memorable names are essential for success in today's noisy digital landscape.
Duration: 00:06:49AI vs Creatives
Mar 26, 2024Mike Carr discusses how AI, exemplified by ChatGPT and others, has surpassed human naming consultants in generating names by understanding nuances and storytelling templates. He introduces Rag (Retrieval Augmented Generation), an AI technology that scrapes the internet for current data to inform naming processes, ensuring modern and relevant outcomes. While acknowledging AI's potential to replace human jobs, particularly in customer service and radiology, Carr emphasizes the importance of human expertise in guiding AI processes. He sees AI as an opportunity for professionals to enhance their skills and provide better solutions to clients by combining domain expertise with AI capabilities...
Duration: 00:07:55Is AI More like Oxygen or Fire?
Mar 19, 2024At the South by Southwest event, AI was a prominent topic of discussion. The question of whether AI is more like oxygen or fire was raised. Some believe that AI is like oxygen, a natural life-giving force that powers everything. Others compare it to fire, a destructive force but also a source of energy. It was noted that AI is not coming for jobs, but those who use AI will be the ones to impact job roles. The value of data was emphasized, with the analogy that data is the new gold and its purity determines its value. Samsung...
Duration: 00:07:36Protecting Your Name from Theft
Mar 12, 2024In this transcript, Mike Carr discusses the importance of protecting your name from being stolen. He identifies five types of names and how they often evolve: creator names, influencer names, brand names, trade names, and trademarks. He explains that while registering a trade name (DBA) with the county or state can provide some protection, the best way to protect your name is by filing it as a trademark with the US Patent and Trademark Office. He advises not to wait until you are a certain size to file for a trademark, as someone may try to steal your name...
Duration: 00:06:355 Personal Brand Name Styles
Mar 05, 2024Mike Carr addresses the contemporary significance of personal brand names and styles, advocating for a purposeful and authentic approach. Emphasizing the impact of personal branding on diverse situations, Carr introduces five brand personalities—sincerity, excitement, competence, sophistication, and ruggedness. He stresses the importance of aligning with a primary brand personality while suggesting the use of different names or brands in specific scenarios to prevent dilution, exemplified by Jessica Alba's "Honest" brand. Overall, Carr encourages individuals to choose a resonant brand personality and remain open to adapting when exploring new areas to maintain authenticity and integrity.
Duration: 00:07:11How to Validate Your Name
Feb 27, 2024In discussing effective naming strategies, Mike Carr underscores the need for external validation with the target audience to avoid subjectivity. He advocates for testing names in real-world contexts and favors quantitative research for objectivity. Carr highlights the importance of capturing swift, subconscious reactions, using the example of "Smart Mouth" to illustrate the potency of edgy names in grabbing attention. Ultimately, he encourages a strategic and objective approach to select names that resonate and swiftly capture attention in practical settings.
Duration: 00:12:34The Most Important Thing in Naming
Feb 20, 2024In the episode, Mike Carr underscores the importance of a single word in creating impactful names. While attention-grabbing names like "Big Ass Fans" and "X" are effective, Carr contends that controversy alone isn't sufficient. He highlights successful 2024 brands, "Feastables" and "Native," citing their emotional resonance. Carr emphasizes that "trust" is the pivotal word in naming, crucial for authenticity and credibility. He cautions against legal issues and concludes by expressing confidence built over his company's 40 years of experience, extending best wishes for successful naming endeavors.
Duration: 00:06:01Does your Brand Name Really Matter?
Feb 13, 2024Mike Carr discusses the enduring importance of names in the digital age, challenging the notion that they are diminishing in significance. He emphasizes the critical role names play in shaping lasting impressions and brand identity, citing examples like Taylor Swift and Apple Computer. Carr advocates for unique and memorable names, recommending the expertise of naming consultants such as Name Stormers, to ensure a fitting and legally sound choice.
Duration: 00:07:50Trademark Infringement: So you wanna get sued?!
Feb 06, 2024In this podcast episode, NameStormers CEO and cofounder discusses the importance of conducting thorough research and seeking legal advice before using a name for a brand or business. He emphasizes the need to go beyond just checking the US Patent and Trademark Office website and to also search the web for similar names. Mike shares examples of companies that had to change their names due to trademark infringement issues and how they turned it into an opportunity to reposition their brand and create buzz. He also addresses concerns about existing customers and provide examples of successful name changes that...
Duration: 00:10:08AI Name Generators Drive Me Crazy!
Jan 29, 2024Mike Carr discusses the evolution of name generators since his involvement in co-developing Namer in 1986. While noting current AI Name Generators’ proficiency in producing fitting names, Carr highlights concerns about the abundance of good but not distinctive names, creating a "sea of sameness." He emphasizes the crucial need for strategic alignment, warns against legal risks stemming from algorithm-generated similarities, and advocates for understanding target audience resonance. Stressing a long-term perspective, Carr advises thorough linguistic, cultural, and legal checks, along with audience testing, for a successful naming strategy, cautioning against relying solely on quick AI-generated solutions.
Duration: 00:21:22Stanley: Old Name, New Following
Jan 23, 2024This episode focuses on the successful rebranding of Stanley, traditionally known for outdoor products for men. Faced with a sales decline in 2019, Stanley strategically shifted its target to young women, embracing influencer marketing and limited-edition products with names like "Quencher." We highlight the brand's adaptation to suit the preferences of the new demographic, emphasizing the appeal of scarcity through limited editions. The episode acknowledges the complexities businesses face in rebranding decisions, ultimately celebrating Stanley's success in blending strategic marketing and product adaptation.
Duration: 00:19:44NameCraft: Unveiling Name Styles
Jan 16, 2024In this episode of "Naming in an AI Age," Megan, Ashley, and Mike discuss different name styles for brands and companies. They cover four types of name styles: acronyms, made-up or coined names, descriptive names, and evocative names. They discuss the pros and cons of each style and provide examples. They emphasize the importance of choosing a memorable name that resonates with customers and fits the brand's story and image. They also mention the challenges of trademark clearance and the need for a strong marketing budget for certain name styles.
Duration: 00:20:23Timing Trademark Screening: When to Screen Your Name
Jan 09, 2024In this podcast conversation, the focus zeroes in on trademark screening's crucial role in the naming process. They agree on the need to brainstorm and shortlist names before diving into the screening process to avoid discouragement. The discussion delves into the complexities of trademark searches, emphasizing the limitations of relying solely on the USPTO database and highlighting challenges in industries like fashion and cosmetics due to high competition. They note the difficulties in trademarking short, common English words and recommend coined, unique names for legal safety, albeit requiring more branding effort. Balancing legal compliance and marketability is highlighted, stressing...
Duration: 00:12:12Using Your Name as Your Brand: The Pros & Cons
Jan 02, 2024In this week's podcast episode, cofounder of NameStormers Mike Carr leads a conversation with team members Megan and Ashley on the intricate world of personal branding in the digital age. Delving into the relevance and risks of using one's name as a brand, the trio examines insights on building a personal brand amid the influencer surge. Through anecdotes and reflections, they navigate the benefits of a human connection offered by personal branding while spotlighting potential pitfalls, including liability concerns and trademark complexities.
Duration: 00:16:14Name That Holiday Product: NameStormers Edition
Dec 24, 2023In this festive podcast episode, Mike Carr and Ashley Elliott from our NameStormers team play a game called "What's That Name? Holiday Edition." Megan Dzialo gives them the names of holiday-themed products or companies like the modular "Easy Treesy" and beard ornaments from "Beardaments" and they have to guess what the product or company is about based on the name. They spotlighted "Black Paper Party," championing diversity in holiday items, and "Tipsy Elves," known for wild holiday wear. Other unique finds included scented ornaments called “Scentsicles” and holiday-themed alternatives like "Mensch on a Bench."
Duration: 00:29:22Millennial Minds: Naming Navigation
Dec 19, 2023Mike Carr interviews millennial NameStormers Megan and Ashley about naming in the AI era. They emphasize millennials' insight into current culture and social engagement with challenges involving educating on outdated trends. Insights include context's importance, AI's supportive role, and the joy of client satisfaction. They affirm that while AI aids, human creativity remains vital in naming.
Duration: 00:25:44Decoding Naming Complexities
Dec 12, 2023In this episode, Megan Dzialo and Mike Carr discuss the complexity and complications of naming. They highlight the importance of considering various factors such as target audience, budget, and cultural sensitivities when choosing a name. They also discuss the difference between complexity and complication, with complexity referring to the multidimensional and ever-changing nature of naming, and complication referring to the linear but intricate process of naming. They provide examples of past naming projects and how certain names may not be suitable in today's cultural and linguistic landscape. Overall, they emphasize the need for a thoughtful and strategic approach to...
Duration: 00:22:14Taming Naming Pains
Dec 05, 2023The podcast explores naming challenges in today's AI-driven era, highlighting the need to manage client expectations and tailor names to individual client needs. It emphasizes the value of diverse expertise, especially in technical industries, and advocates for initially focusing on proposed name strengths. The discussion cautions against over-researching and concludes with seven key insights for successful naming projects, encompassing design, target audience, and trademark considerations.
Duration: 00:21:55Navigating Trademark Hurdles
Nov 28, 2023The episode discusses tackling trademark rejection in naming, emphasizing solutions for securing desired names despite legal hurdles. It covers trademark attorneys' cautious approach, legal threats from larger companies, and the flexibility of trademark law for using similar names with distinct goods or services. It differentiates trademarks from trade names, suggesting diluted names as trade names to avoid conflicts. It explores limitations imposed by famous marks and the impact of commonly used elements in names. Strategies involve AI tools, understanding trademark scope, and tweaking names for distinctiveness. The focus remains on crafting memorable names and exploring varied strategies rather than...
Duration: 00:16:24Mastering the Naming Maze
Nov 21, 2023In this episode, Megan Dzialo and Mike Carr highlight the importance of considering potential trademark conflicts and the misconception that registering a business name with the state provides trademark protection. They explain the difference between trademarks and trade names, as well as copyrights. They emphasize the need to consult with a trademark attorney to ensure proper protection and avoid potential issues in the future. They also mention the benefits of conducting thorough trademark searches and the potential risks of relying solely on free online searches. They conclude by mentioning that they will discuss strategies for avoiding legal conflicts and d...
Duration: 00:17:39Name Failing is Awesome
Nov 14, 2023In the podcast episode "Name Failing is Awesome," Mike Carr, CEO of NameStormers, unveils the complexities of brand naming, challenging unrealistic expectations and false assumptions, dispelling the myths of a perfect name, and advocating for embracing controversy in naming. Carr emphasizes the pitfalls of DIY approaches, such as employee contests and AI generators, while also highlighting the importance of passion over consensus and the potential challenges when a CEO singularly favors a name. Ultimately, the learning curve of name failing is crucial for improvement in the ever-evolving field of brand naming.
Duration: 00:21:06Uncomplicating the Naming Process
Nov 07, 2023In this episode of the NameStorming podcast, Megan Dzialo and Mike Carr discuss how to make the naming process easier. They emphasize the importance of focusing on what really matters and not getting overwhelmed by unnecessary details. They provide examples of successful naming projects, including a company rebranding effort and a product naming example.
Duration: 00:18:56Name Crafting & Considerations
Oct 31, 2023In this episode, Megan Dzialo and Mike Carr explore the intricate art of naming in an AI-driven age, highlighting the creative process of naming, advocating for the power of human creativity and inspiration from various environments, and cautioning against early reliance on AI or automated tools.
The discussion expands to encompass critical considerations such as linguistic and cultural screenings to ensure name suitability across diverse markets, trademark protection, and the importance of real-world name testing. The evolving nature of naming in response to shifting market trends is underlined, emphasizing the limitations of AI in capturing these dynamic a...
The Impact of AI on Naming
Oct 24, 2023In this episode, Megan Dzialo and Mike Carr discuss the impact of AI on naming. They highlight how AI can be helpful in basic research and brainstorming by suggesting new directions. However, they also mention AI's limitations in creating unique and innovative names, as it tends to generate names that fit within existing norms. They emphasize the importance of understanding the target audience and the need for the name to be focused on a specific purpose. They also discuss the significance of differentiating from competitors and the value of controversial or edgy names. Finally, they touch on the challenges...
Duration: 00:19:45The Impact of AI on Market Research with Jian Huang
Oct 17, 2023In this transcript, Mike Carr interviews Jian Huang, a computer science professor and founder of Mapprio, about the impact of AI on market research and name testing. Huang explains that while AI, particularly data-intensive AI like ChatGPT, can read and remember vast amounts of information, it is still limited by the data it has been trained on. In the context of market research, Huang believes that AI can be a productivity boost but not a replacement for human researchers. He emphasizes the importance of human thinking and perspective in these tasks. Huang also discusses the limitations of AI in...
Duration: 00:21:00Name Testing & Research with Mapprio's Founder Jian Huang
Oct 10, 2023In this episode, Mike Carr interviews Jian Huang, a professor from the University of Tennessee and the founder of research company Mapprio. They discuss the importance of name testing and research in the AI world. Jian explains that his platform focuses on understanding human data and uses social psychology to gather authentic data efficiently. They also discuss the concept of system one thinking, which involves intuitive and reactionary responses to names, as opposed to system two thinking, which is more logical and analytical. Jian's platform allows for micro-segmentation and analysis of name testing data, taking into account factors such...
Duration: 00:19:19AI's Impact on Productivity
Oct 03, 2023In this podcast episode, Megan Dzialo and Mike Carr discuss the impact of AI on creative agencies and the findings of a Harvard Business Review paper titled "Navigating the Jagged Technological Frontier Field: Experimental Evidence of the Effects of AI on Knowledge Workers' Productivity and Quality."
They discuss the concept of the "jagged technological frontier" and the effects of AI on work productivity and quality. The paper reveals that AI has shown improvements in performance, particularly for less experienced consultants, but has a lesser impact on more senior consultants.
They also discuss the different approaches to...
Millennial vs. Gen Z - Naming Edition
Sep 26, 2023Here's a chance to meet some other members of the NameStormers team! Introducing our resident millennials- Megan Dzialo and Ashley Elliott. Join Adelaide, Megan, and Ashley as they dive into the marketing and branding perspectives of the millennial generation compared to Generation Z. What does it take for a name or brand to sway the purchasing power of these target markets? Listen in for insight from these consumers and namers!
Duration: 00:24:53Name Testing in an AI Age
Sep 19, 2023Join Mike and Adelaide as they discuss the pros and cons of AI generative naming- how can you improve the future of naming when names generated are thoroughly based on content from the past? When and how should you leverage AI in the name generation or creative process? Find answers to these questions and more on this week's episode of "Naming in an AI Age."
Duration: 00:07:01System 1 / System 2 Research
Sep 12, 2023The NameStormers team recommends market research testing to most, if not all, of their clients- particularly those that are B2C- but how do they do it? Learn more about the inspiration behind and the importance of the System 1 / System 2 research conducted by Mike Carr and his team. When you're next looking to better understand your target market and what they might think of a name, look no further than NameStormers!
Duration: 00:17:17Existing Name vs. New Name
Sep 05, 2023Companies of all caliber approach NameStormers for their services - from Fortune 500 companies to early-stage start-ups - but when do some of the more well-known brands leverage their existing name for a product/service launch and when do they start from scratch with a naming firm? Listen in on Mike's perspective as he and Adelaide discuss real-life examples from Johnson & Johnson and Proctor & Gamble.
Duration: 00:13:38Global Naming Tradeoffs
Aug 29, 2023At NameStormers, we do our best to ensure that every name we give clients is available for trademark purposes. Join Mike and Adelaide as they discuss the difficulties of finding the "perfect name" as trademark applications only continue to grow. Learn how targeting your trademark screening more intentionally toward specific countries can make the process easier on your team and likely lead to a more ideal name.
Duration: 00:16:19Name Testing Gold Standard
Aug 22, 2023The Namestormers are incredibly "pro-market research," but how can you go about the process from a more effective, quantitative way compared to the standard qualitative focus group? Join Mike and Adelaide this week as they discuss key decision points in the market research process and how the NameStormers mitigate bias in their process once they have generated enough creative to start testing.
Duration: 00:13:40Twitter to X - a Naming/Branding Perspective
Aug 16, 2023Join CEO and Founder of NameStormers, Mike Carr, as he talks with CEO and co-founder of Yeager Marketing, Renee Yeager, about Elon Musk's change of Twitter to X from a branding and naming Perspective.
0:00 - Introductions
1:38 - Twitter to X – a mishandling?
4:07 - Musk as a Maverick
5:56 - A win or loss in the long run?
7:15 - X as a name & brand
8:30 - Advice for making a rebrand decision
10:52 – The value of an existing name/brand
11:45 – What to consider before a rename/rebrand
16:05 – Getting over hurdles and limiting risk
19:04 - Underst...
Relationship Building Isn't a Tactic
Aug 15, 2023Inspired by something Jay Acunzo said years ago- Mike and Adelaide unpack the importance of genuine relationship building. Going beyond a client/consultant or consumer/business relationship can be a delicate but wonderful and effective strategy, as long as the relationship is built authentically.
Duration: 00:12:43"I'll Know It When I See It"
Aug 08, 2023Join Mike Carr and Adelaide Brown this week as they discuss the, often entrepreneurial mindset, determined to find love at first sight with a new name. Managing expectations, wrapping a story around a name, and guiding clients through their product or company vision are just a couple of roles NameStormers take on as creative consultants!
Duration: 00:14:46How to Pitch a Name
Aug 01, 2023Join Mike Carr and Adelaide Brown as they discuss the nuances of pitching names to clients. Gain insight into the NameStormers process and the detail-oriented storytelling process of crafting a client presentation.
Duration: 00:16:02Whack-a-Mole Decision-Making
Jul 25, 2023What are you supposed to do when a client's team members are focused on different things or have different priorities when developing a name? Join Mike Carr, founder and CEO of NameStormers, and Adelaide Brown as they discuss the delicacies of focusing clients through conversation and clarifying priorities.
Duration: 00:15:23Why "Naming in an AI Age"?
Jul 18, 2023Learn how the NameStormers decided on the podcast and hear more about Mike's history with naming some of the biggest companies and brands in the world!
Duration: 00:04:25Untitled Episode
Jul 13, 2023Welcome to Naming in an AI Age!
Jul 11, 2023Join Mike Carr (Founder and CEO of the naming firm, NameStormers) and interim podcast host, Adelaide Brown, for the FIRST EVER NameStormers podcast episode. Listen as they dig into the reason for the podcasting season and the origins of the NameStormers firm.
Duration: 00:08:46