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Are Phasers Trademarked

Are Phasers Trademarked? The Story Behind Star Trek's Iconic Creation

Joshua Julien Brouard

Joshua Julien Brouard

17 January 20254 min read

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Are Phasers Trademarked? The Story Behind Star Trek's Iconic Creation

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    There is no shortage of iconic creations that have cemented Star Trek as one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises of all time. Among these are phasers, the futuristic energy weapons used by starships and crew. Whether it's a handheld device in the heat of an intergalactic battle or Captain Kirk declaring, "Set phasers to stun!" — these weapons have become fan favorites.

    But have you ever wondered if phasers are protected by intellectual property laws? Let's break it down.

    Did Paramount or CBS protect the concept of phasers?

    The answer is yes! Paramount and CBS have used a mix of legal protections to keep phasers as an unmistakable part of the Star Trek universe. Here's how:

    • Trademarks: The term "phaser" is closely associated with Star Trek and has been trademarked by CBS. This ensures that when fans hear "phaser," they immediately think of Star Trek. It's a great way to protect the brand's identity and prevent others from using the term in a way that might confuse fans.
    • Design patents: Believe it or not, the physical look of phasers has also been protected! In 1981, a design patent was issued for the revamped phaser featured in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. This patent covered the ornamental design of the phaser, labeling it as a "toy weapon."
    • Copyrights: The visual depiction of phasers — whether on screen, in promotional materials, or merchandise — is protected by copyright law. This means creating a knock-off or close replica without authorization could land you in hot water. For example, during the lawsuit against the fan film Prelude to Axanar, Paramount argued that Star Trek elements, such as phasers, were used without their permission.

    There is more than one type of phaser

    Did you know there are various kinds of phasers in the Star Trek universe, each designed for a specific function? Phasers are used by Starships and their personnel and play a significant role in Starfleet operations. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of phasers:

    Personal phasers come in three distinct types. Type 1 phasers are small, handheld devices often used discreetly. Type 2 phasers are larger, pistol-style weapons with advanced settings such as stun, heat, and disintegrate. Lastly, Type 3 phasers, also known as phaser rifles, are long-barreled weapons primarily used for ground combat.

    Then there are starship-mounted phasers. Phaser arrays, for instance, are strip-like emitters capable of firing powerful energy bursts and are commonly seen on Starfleet vessels. Smaller, combat-focused ships often feature pulse phaser cannons, which fire rapid bursts of energy. Early starships, such as the iconic Starship Enterprise, used individual phase emitters instead of arrays.

    There are also specialized phasers designed for unique scenarios. Phaser drills are often employed for engineering and repair tasks, while phased polaron weapons, used by adversaries like the Dominion, could bypass standard Starfleet shields. Wide-beam phasers are another variation, designed for area-of-effect attacks that can disable multiple targets simultaneously.

    Phasers are an integral part of the Star Trek universe, representing both the technology and imagination that make the series iconic. Whether it’s the discreet Type 1 phaser or the powerful phaser arrays on a Starship, these devices evoke nostalgia and a sense of adventure. 

    When you think of phasers, you think of Star Trek—and for many, that brings back memories of childhood wonder.

    For the love of phasers — Star Trek merchandise

    Phasers, along with other iconic Star Trek creations, have always been a hit with fans—and often their parents, too!

    When it comes to Star Trek merchandising, it’s tough to pin down exactly how many phaser replicas, toys, and collectibles have been sold over the years. But one thing is clear: the enduring popularity of phasers speaks for itself.

    Here’s a fun fact: the original phaser and communicator props from Star Trek: The Original Series sold for an astonishing $1.7 million at a Star Trek auction in November 2024. Even decades later, Star Trek’s legacy is as strong as ever, showing just how timeless this classic is. 

    Preserving what makes Star Trek special

    By protecting phasers through intellectual property, Paramount and CBS have ensured that this piece of Star Trek lore remains tied to the franchise. It's not just about safeguarding their intellectual property — it's about preserving what makes Star Trek special for its millions of fans. So next time you hear "phaser," you'll know there's much more behind the beam than sci-fi movie magic!

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    Based in our Pretoria office, Joshua is a digital content manager at Trademarkia and has extensive experience writing on legal subjects. He has a bachelor of commerce in law, as well as several marketing certifications. He is also soon to complete his postgraduate in marketing management. In his free time, Joshua loves traveling with his many rescue dogs.