Elf Labs Secures Permanent RAPUNZEL Trademark Protection

The U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari on April 20, 2026, in Curtin v. United Trademark Holdings, making permanent the Federal Circuit’s decision in favor of Elf Labs’ parent company. The ruling applies the zone-of-interests test from Lexmark to TTAB opposition proceedings, requiring petitioners to demonstrate a genuine commercial stake.

The case involved a third-party challenge to Elf Labs’ registered RAPUNZEL trademark for character merchandise and entertainment services. Both the TTAB and Federal Circuit dismissed the opposition, and the Supreme Court’s action ends further review.

Elf Labs maintains a portfolio of over 500 registered character marks based on original interpretations of fairy-tale figures. These assets support licensing, animation, and consumer products generating millions in royalties across multiple countries.

The precedent raises the bar for non-commercial or consumer-advocate challenges to registered marks, providing greater certainty for owners of character-based intellectual property portfolios.

Sources: https://trademarklawyermagazine.com/elf-labs-wins-permanent-trademark-protection-after-supreme-court-cert-denial/ https://trademarklawyermagazine.com/trademark-news/