Figma sent Lovable a cease-and-desist over "Dev Mode." That's the headline. The deeper problem: Figma's trademark portfolio locks down terms developers have used for decades.

Figma's Trademark List

Figma has filed or registered these trademarks, most of which are generic software terms (see USPTO report):

• FIGMA (the company and product name)
• FORGE
• SUMMIT
• CONFIG
• FIGJAM
• SCHEMA
• DEV MODE
• NOTHING GREAT IS MADE ALONE

The Worst Offenders

FIGMA and FIGJAM make sense as brand names, but the rest do not.

• DEV MODE: Universal shorthand for "developer mode." Chrome uses it. Xbox uses it. Jira uses it. Open-source projects have used it for decades (see The Verge). Figma trademarked it in 2023 and now sends legal threats to startups.
• CONFIG: Trademarking "config" is like trying to own "settings."
• SCHEMA: A database and API term. Descriptive, not distinctive.
• SUMMIT and FORGE: Microsoft and Atlassian both use these names for events and tools.

Why the Legal Ground Is Weak

The "Dev Mode" trademark sits on the Supplemental Register, not the Principal Register. The USPTO put it there because the term is descriptive, not distinctive. That makes Figma's legal position fragile. Anyone who files for cancellation with evidence of prior widespread use has a strong case.

Lovable Should Fight This

Lovable refused to back down, and that is the right move. If they file for cancellation, Figma's claim on "Dev Mode" probably falls apart. The tech community needs more companies willing to challenge trademark grabs on common terminology.