If you’ve been anywhere near the dance marathon scene, you’ve probably heard the phrase “For The Kids” — it’s more than a slogan; it’s a heartbeat. For years, it’s been chanted, printed on t-shirts, and used to rally students and communities around supporting children’s hospitals. So, when news broke that the University of Iowa Dance Marathon was locked in a trademark dispute over those three simple words, it felt… off.
Thankfully, that’s over now. After a legal tussle, UI Dance Marathon and other organizations can continue using “For The Kids” freely. But this situation raises bigger questions: When does protecting a brand start to overshadow the mission it represents?
#### What Happened?
A trademark claim was filed to restrict the use of “For The Kids,” a phrase deeply embedded in the culture of student-led philanthropy events, especially dance marathons supporting kids’ health initiatives. The University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon — one of the largest in the nation — pushed back, arguing that the term is universal and foundational to their cause. Eventually, the claim was dropped or resolved in a way that allows everyone to keep using it.
And that’s a win. Not just for UI, but for every group that runs on passion, not patents.
#### Why “For The Kids” Belongs to Everyone
This isn’t just about legal rights — it’s about emotional ownership. “For The Kids” isn’t a corporate tagline; it’s a movement mantra. It represents countless hours of fundraising, sleepless nights at events, and most importantly, the shared intention to make life better for children and families facing medical challenges.
Trademarking such a phrase would have been like trying to copyright “hope” or “community.” It just doesn’t sit right.
#### The Bigger Picture
In a world where everything can be branded, owned, and monetized, it’s refreshing — and necessary — to remember that some ideas are bigger than intellectual property. This case is a reminder that mission-driven movements thrive on open collaboration, not closed ownership.
What if other common phrases in philanthropy were suddenly restricted? “Be the change,” “Pay it forward,” “Together we can” — these are rallying cries, not assets. Protecting them as trademarks risks silencing the very spirit they’re meant to inspire.
#### So… What Now?
The resolution sets a healthy precedent. It shows that when communities stand together for a common purpose, even legal challenges can be overcome. But let’s not wait for the next dispute. If you’re part of a nonprofit, student group, or grassroots movement: keep doing what you’re doing. Use the words that resonate. Share your stories openly. And if anyone ever tells you you can’t say “For The Kids,” just smile and say — you definitely can.
Because some things are meant to be free. For the kids, always.
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*What do you think? Should commonly used philanthropic slogans be trademarked? Drop your thoughts below.*
