Pretty much stoner rumor, yeah. I see people repeat this quite often though, which is why it's such a persistent idea. Most often the claim is that the government "patented" the names as some sort of repressive tactic.I heard back in the 70's that names were already patented. "Columbian Golds" "Panama Reds" I remember (sorta) discussing it many times whilst dreaming about legalization. Stoner rumors at the time I guess.
A quick search of the Trademark database reveals that "Panama Red" has been trademarked. Some examples:It's a common misconception that names are patented. While handled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the actual process for registering names is called either a trademark or a service mark. Patents are for objects, ideas or processes.
PANAMA RED
Goods and Services IC 030. US 046. G & S: Coffee beans and prepared coffee from Panama. FIRST USE: 19990228. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19990228
Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Serial Number 78828914
Filing Date March 3, 2006
Current Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Published for Opposition October 10, 2006
Registration Number 3203786
Registration Date January 30, 2007
Owner (REGISTRANT) Panama Bay Coffee Co. CORPORATION CALIFORNIA 340 Montecillo Drive Walnut Creek CALIFORNIA 94595
Attorney of Record J. Scott Gerien
Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE "PANAMA" APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
PANAMA RED
Goods and Services IC 030. US 046. G & S: condiments, namely, pepper based sauce. FIRST USE: 20100310. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 201003
Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Serial Number 77961604
Filing Date March 17, 2010
Current Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Date Amended to Current Register November 17, 2010
Registration Number 3909536
Registration Date January 18, 2011
Owner (REGISTRANT) Michael Bross INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES 1975 Fair Ridge Court Walnut Creek CALIFORNIA 94597
Attorney of Record Stuart J. West
Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE "RED" APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register SUPPLEMENTAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
Word Mark PANAMA RED
Goods and Services IC 043. US 100 101. G & S: Cafe and coffee bar services featuring Panamanian coffee. FIRST USE: 20060920. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20060920
Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Serial Number 78829136
Filing Date March 3, 2006
Current Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1B
Published for Opposition October 10, 2006
Registration Number 3295508
Registration Date September 18, 2007
Owner (REGISTRANT) Panama Bay Coffee Co. CORPORATION CALIFORNIA 340 Montecillo Drive Walnut Creek CALIFORNIA 94595
Attorney of Record J. Scott Gerien
Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE "PANAMA" APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN
Type of Mark SERVICE MARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
Word Mark PANAMA RED
Goods and Services IC 025. US 039. G & S: CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES; NAMELY, SHIRTS, T-SHIRTS, HATS AND BELTS. FIRST USE: 19820000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19820000
Mark Drawing Code (5) WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS IN STYLIZED FORM
Serial Number 73804807
Filing Date June 5, 1989
Current Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Published for Opposition October 15, 1991
Registration Number 1671168
Registration Date January 7, 1992
Owner (REGISTRANT) WALKER, K. L. INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES 42 SPRING STREET NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND 02840(LAST LISTED OWNER) PANAMA RED CORPORATION BY CHANGE OF NAME UNITED STATES 6063 WOODLAKE ROAD JUPITER FLORIDA 33458
Assignment Recorded ASSIGNMENT RECORDED
Attorney of Record DOUGLAS R BUSH
Prior Registrations 1300453
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Affidavit Text SECT 15. SECT 8 (6-YR). SECTION 8(10-YR) 20020227.
Renewal 1ST RENEWAL 20020227
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE