Which McDonald's branding feature became the company's first registered trademark in 1961?

The McDonald's name became the company's first registered trademark in 1961. Registering the name helped protect the identity of the rapidly expanding restaurant business as franchised locations multiplied.

Trademark protection is distinct from copyright and from the later recognition of the Golden Arches. A trademark identifies the commercial source of goods or services, while a logo, slogan, or mascot can receive separate protection or registration at different times. That distinction explains why the name is the relevant answer here.

The 1961 registration occurred during a major transition in McDonald's history. Ray Kroc had joined the business as a franchise agent in the 1950s, and the company was becoming a national chain rather than remaining a small regional restaurant operation.

As McDonald's expanded, consistent ownership of its name and visual identifiers became increasingly important. The registration formed part of the legal foundation behind the brand's later international growth, though trademark details have continued to evolve as the company added slogans, logos, and product names.