Morale patch

A morale patch is a military ornamental insignia with humorous images and expressions.[1][2][3] They can be used as identification with a particular unit, such as a division or brigade, and are designed to build an esprit de corps with military personnel. The morale patch is usually not authorized directly by the military to be worn on an official uniform but can often be found on military clothing or gear.

Squadron morale patch used at Souda Bay
9 EARS Morale Patch

History

Morale patches are a part of military history and have cultural significance for soldiers and law enforcement personnel. The morale patch's roots can be traced to the British Army, before World War I, who called them "battle patches". Mainly used to identify allies and enemy units, the distinctive designs would identify personnel as belonging to certain military units.

In the 1920s, the patches became unique and individualized and experienced widespread popularity. They became collectible and tradable items. This brought civilians closer to military personnel and made law enforcement agents more approachable.

The 81st Division Wildcats of the US Army created the first American morale patch during World War I. It was suggested to Army officials that a patch should be created to acknowledge a division. The insignia was approved to help the morale of the troops, and soon after that, General Pershing ordered all divisions to create and wear a patch—something unique to their division.

Trademark lawsuits

On August 31, 2020, a lawsuit was filed against 281 defendants for the use of the words "morale patch" as case number 20cv04776 in the Northern District of Illinois court.[4] In 2016, Morale Patch Armory LLC[5] trademarked the term "MORALE PATCH" for commercial use and filed a claim of trademark infringement.[6] The lawsuit focused mainly on veteran-owned companies, tactical gear manufacturers, and small, internet-based operations. Morale Patch Armory LLC is owned by Julio Medina, who is an Air Force veteran.[7]

On September 10, 2020, Prometheus Design Werx filed a petition to cancel the trademark "MORALE PATCH".[8]

On September 16, 2020, The Military Times published an article explaining the details of the lawsuit.[9]

On August 18, 2022, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board canceled the trademark.[8]

See also

References
  1. Blake, Stilwell. "13 of the best military morale patches". business insider. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  2. Daniel S., Hoadley. "What Just Happened? A Historical Evaluation of Project". Checo. Air Univ Maxwell AFB AL School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  3. "Cool Patch Alert: Epik Panda Limited Edition Spartan117GW PVC Combat/Tactical Morale Patch!". DefenseReview.com (DR): An online tactical technology and military defense technology magazine with particular focus on the latest and greatest tactical firearms news (tactical gun news), tactical gear news and tactical shooting news. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  4. "U.S. District Court - Northern District of Illinois". www.ilnd.uscourts.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  5. "Morale Patches, Tactical Patches and more from Morale Patch Armory". Morale Patch® Armory. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  6. "TESS -- Error". tmsearch.uspto.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  7. "Interview with Julio Medina - Owner of "Morale Patch Armory", USA". Professional blogger Mr. 3Hours. 2016-07-19. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  8. "USPTO TTABVUE. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Inquiry System". ttabvue.uspto.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  9. Venhuizen, Harm (2020-09-16). "281 companies are being sued for using the term 'morale patch'". Military Times. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
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