Figma's cease-and-desist letter to Lovable over "Dev Mode" is just the tip of the iceberg. A look at Figma, Inc.'s trademark portfolio reveals a pattern of locking down terms that are, frankly, industry jargon—and it's raising eyebrows across the developer and design communities.

Figma's Trademark List

Here are the trademarks Figma has filed or registered, many of which are shockingly generic for anyone working in software or product design (see USPTO report:

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

The Most Ridiculous Trademarks

Let's be honest: Some of these make sense for branding (e.g., FIGMA, FIGJAM). But others? They're so generic it's almost comical.

• DEV MODE: This is a universal shorthand for "developer mode," used in everything from Chrome to Xbox to Jira, and in open-source projects for decades (see The Verge). Figma only trademarked it in 2023, yet now claims exclusive rights and is sending legal threats to startups like Lovable.
• CONFIG: Configuration ("config") is a foundational concept in software. Trademarking this is like trying to own "settings" or "preferences."
• SCHEMA: Another term deeply embedded in tech, especially in databases and APIs. It's descriptive, not distinctive.
• SUMMIT and FORGE: These are common event and tool names across tech, used by everyone from Microsoft to Atlassian.

The Real Issue Here

Figma isn't just protecting brand identity—they're trying to own words that developers have used for decades. The "Dev Mode" trademark is particularly flimsy: it's on the Supplemental Register (not Principal), which means the USPTO recognizes it as descriptive rather than distinctive. That leaves Figma with weak legal ground and makes the trademark vulnerable if someone actually challenges it.

Hope for a Fight

Lovable's refusal to back down is the right move. The tech community needs more companies willing to challenge overreaching trademarks like "Dev Mode." If Lovable (or anyone else) files for cancellation and brings evidence of prior widespread use, Figma's claim could easily be struck down.