Morale patch
A morale patch is a military ornamental insignia that include amusing pictures and facial expressions intended to foster esprit de corps among military soldiers[1] and can be used as identification with a specific unit, such as a division or brigade.[2][3][4]
During World War I, the U.S. Army's 81st Division Wildcats produced the nation's first morale patch. Army officers were told that a patch to recognize a division should be made. The patches gained popularity in the 1920s and became distinctive and personalized.[5][6]
The popular "morale patch" name was copyrighted by patch vendor Morale Patch Armory in 2017, a move that infuriated both customers and retailers.[7] Even after Facebook banned a group with the name "morale patch" for trademark infringement, the Iowa-based business claimed to have received death threats. [8][9][10][11]
In 2022, the trademark was cancelled by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.[12][13][14]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ Kauffman, Jonathan. "Morale patches: Boy Scouts for adults". www.sfchronicle.com. Retrieved 2023-12-03.
- ↑ Blake, Stilwell. "13 of the best military morale patches". business insider. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
- ↑ "DoD Guidons | Premium Guidons for U.S. Military Units & Organizations". dodguidons.com. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ Milzarski, Eric. "This is why soldiers wear unit patches". www.wearethemighty.com. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
- ↑ "Digital History". www.digitalhistory.uh.edu. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ↑ "Morale Patches, Tactical Patches and more from Morale Patch Armory". Morale Patch® Armory. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ↑ "Interview with Julio Medina - Owner of "Morale Patch Armory", USA". Professional blogger Mr. 3Hours. 2016-07-19. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ↑ "TESS -- Error". tmsearch.uspto.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-30.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "CANCELED PVC MORALE PATCH". Armed Forces Supply. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ↑ "CANCELED PVC MORALE PATCH". Tactical Outfitters. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ↑ Venhuizen, Harm (2020-09-16). "281 companies are being sued for using the term 'morale patch'". Military Times. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ↑ "U.S. District Court - Northern District of Illinois". www.ilnd.uscourts.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
- ↑ "USPTO TTABVUE. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Inquiry System". ttabvue.uspto.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
