Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

The Embarrassing Acronym of an Exalted Law School Name Provides a Funny Branding Lesson Before you skimp on hiring a branding pro, consider George Mason University's bungled attempt to honor the late Antonin Scalia.

By Stephen J. Bronner Edited by Dan Bova

Stephen Masker | Wikimedia Commons
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

If you need a crucial reminder that your business's name is something you should obsess over, take a close look at the Antonin Scalia School of Law. If you're like me, you're probably already chuckling. Yes, the acronym for the school is ASSoL, or ASSLaw. Hilarious.

I bet the leaders at George Mason University didn't find it as funny, especially considering the school received a $20 million anonymous grant to rename its law school in honor of the late Supreme Court justice, reports Fortune.

Related: Your New Business Name Should Be Memorable, Spell-able and Available

Thankfully for students and faculty, the school got in on the joke and have already proposed a new name: the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. If the change is approved, the new name should go into effect at the beginning of July.

So when you're naming your startup, look at your name from every possible angle. Create acronyms, look at rhymes and ask your grandmother to say it five times. Just don't make the same mistake as Homer Simpson (he was so close):

Stephen J. Bronner

Entrepreneur Staff

News Director

Stephen J. Bronner writes mostly about packaged foods. His weekly column is The Digest. He is very much on top of his email.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Growing a Business

Want to Expand Your Market Overseas? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Global Logistics in 2024

With rising geopolitical tensions and changing market conditions it can be hard for businesses to navigate supply chain logistics even in a post-pandemic world. Here are three tips from the CEO of an international customs brokerage.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Elvis Presley's Granddaughter Fights Graceland Foreclosure, Calls Paperwork 'Forgeries'

The 13.8-acre estate was scheduled to be sold in a public foreclosure auction on Thursday. Presley's granddaughter and heir, Riley Keough, is fighting to save Graceland in court.

Business News

Kickstarter Is Opening Up Its Platform to Creators and Making Big Changes to Its Model — Here's What's New

The company noted it is moving beyond traditional crowdfunding and making it easier for businesses to raise more money.

Business News

Target Is Lowering Prices on Thousands of Items — Here's Where You Can Expect to Save

The news was announced ahead of Target's Q1 2024 earnings call, expected to occur Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST.