Laws are passed to protect the environment or members of society. Curiously, these same supposedly progressive laws have sometimes backfired, hurting the very things or people they were supposed to protect.

This is obviously because every law has consequences. And unfortunately, it is often impossible to predict the intended and unintended effects of every law.

10 Thai Queen Drowns Because The Law Forbade Anybody From Touching Her

Nineteen-year-old Queen Sunandha Kumariratana was the queen consort and one of the three wives of King Chulalongkorn of Siam (now Thailand). In 1880, she drowned alongside her daughter after their boat capsized in Chao Phraya River. They could have been rescued but weren’t because the law forbade anybody from touching members of the royal family.

In May 1880, Queen Sunandha and her daughter were traveling to their summer palace, which was right across the Chao Phraya River. She and her daughter were put on a boat, which was tethered to another boat containing their guards and servants. The queen’s boat capsized after it was swept by strong currents.^[1]

The guards and servants watched as the queen and princess struggled in the water. They could have helped but didn’t. Apparently, the law forbade anybody from touching the royals under the threat of death. Nobody wanted to risk their lives, so they just watched the pregnant queen drown.

There are also claims that superstition may have discouraged the guards and servants from helping the queen. Thais believed that saving a drowning person could anger the spirits in the water. Nevertheless, the heartbroken king sent the lead attendant at the scene to prison.

9 Vietnam Rat Control Attempt Ends Badly

In 1902, the city of Hanoi, Vietnam, had a serious rat problem. Thousands of rats were popping up around the city and infecting residents with the deadly bubonic plague. Officials soon discovered that the rats were coming from the 14.5-kilometer-long (9 mi) sewer system under the city.

In April 1902, the French-led Vietnamese government set up a task force to kill the rats in the sewers. In the first week, 7,985 rats were killed. By May, the men were slaughtering 4,000 rats a day. On May 30 alone, they exterminated 15,041 rats. By June, the team was killing 10,000 rats a day, and on June 21, they eliminated a record 20,112 rats.

However, the city was still overrun with rats despite the mass killings. So the government asked regular civilians to destroy rats in exchange for money. The government paid one cent per rat killed. Officials did not want people bringing decomposing rats to their offices, so they just asked for the tails as evidence.

The scheme seemed to be working until the government realized that the city was filled with tailless rats. It quickly became obvious that people were cutting off the rats’ tails so that the rodents could continue to breed.

If that wasn’t enough, some enterprising citizens were importing rats from outside the city and selling the tails to the government. Some farmers even created rat farms where they bred rats and sold the tails to the government. Officials canceled the program.^[2]

8 Prohibition Led To The Rise Of Criminal Gangs And Unregulated Alcohol

On January 18, 1920, the US government banned the sale of alcoholic drinks within its territory. This period is remembered today as Prohibition. However, it was unsuccessful because the alcohol market went underground. If that was not enough, it also led to the rise of American criminal gangs.

These underground bars are called speakeasies and were fully controlled by criminal gangs. This included the infamous Al Capone, who supposedly made over $100 million each year from his casinos and illegal alcohol business.

Several criminal gangs realized that there would be a lucrative black market for alcohol once Prohibition began. So they stockpiled alcohol and opened shop the moment that Prohibition started. They replenished their supplies by smuggling alcohol from Canada and Mexico and stealing medicinal alcohol supplies transported through the US.^[3]

7 Plain Cigarette Packages Makes Smoking Cheaper For Smokers

The United Nations and the World Health Organization encouraged member states to make cigarette manufacturers adopt a plain cigarette pack in an attempt to discourage smoking. Australia, France, and the UK have passed laws to make cigarette packs plain. But it is not discouraging people from smoking.

As all the packages now look alike, smokers buy the cheapest cigarettes instead of preferred brands as they previously did. This means they spend less on cigarettes than they did when the packs were branded.

Australia noted that its smoking rate did not decline even after a tax hike. Instead, the country saw an increase in illegal cigarettes flowing in. The result was worse in France and the UK where the smoking rate increased after the introduction of plain packaging.^[4]

6 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Increases Teenage Pregnancy

The US government spends a fortune on preventing teenage pregnancy. Since 1996, the federal government has spent $2.1 billion on abstinence-only sex education. According to a study, that money was flushed down the drain because abstinence-only sex education does not reduce teenage pregnancy.

According to the research, this type of sex education has no effect on teenage pregnancy in most states in the US. The results are worse in conservative states where teenage pregnancy is actually on the increase. At the same time, abstinence-only sex education failed to reduce STDs or delay the first time when teenagers have sex.^[5]

5 China’s Attempt To Produce More Food Ends In Famine

In 1958, Chairman Mao Tse-tung launched the Four Pests Campaign to encourage Chinese citizens to kill animals and insects that were considered pests by the state. These animals were sparrows, rats, flies, and mosquitoes. Sparrows were regarded as pests because they often ate grain seeds.

Hundreds of millions of sparrows had been killed by 1960. But it would prove disastrous. While Chairman Mao was concerned with sparrows eating grain seeds, he did not realize that they also ate insects like locusts, which ate more grain seeds than sparrows. With the sparrows out of the way, the locusts freely bred and multiplied.

Locust swarms soon appeared across China, eating up every plant they could find. The result was a deadly famine that killed between 15 million and 78 million people. There were even reports of people turning to cannibalism to survive. A drought and a failed government farming policy worsened the famine, which was exacerbated when the government attempted to censor news about it.^[6]

4 Conservation Attempt Ends In Destruction

Macquarie Island is located between Australia and Antarctica. Soon after its discovery in 1810, rats sneaked out of ships to colonize the island. A lack of predators saw the rodents breed so fast that sailors brought in cats to control the rat population.

Sixty years later, some sailors dropped some rabbits on the island so that other seamen who got shipwrecked could feed on the rabbits. The cats soon turned on the rabbits. However, the rabbits survived the feline onslaught and continued to multiply rapidly. The abundance of food also caused the cats to proliferate.

The cats soon added the native birds to their diet and hunted some to extinction. The rabbits also ate some native plants to extinction. In the 1970s, the deadly myxomatosis disease was introduced to the island to keep the rabbit population in check.

The disease reduced the rabbit population from an all-high of 130,000 to fewer than 20,000 in just 10 years. However, the rapid decline in rabbits also caused the cats to eat more birds. Conservationists started to shoot the cats, and the last one was killed in 2000.

With the cats gone, the rabbit population soared again. The rabbits ate so many plants that the island’s penguins went extinct. The rabbits had eaten 40 percent of the island’s vegetation as of 2009. As a result, the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service decided to rid the island of all invasive species including 130,000 rabbits, 103,000 mice, and 36,000 rats once and for all.^[7]

3 Law To Help Ex-Convicts Become Employed Stops Them From Getting Jobs

Several US states have introduced ban-the-box laws to stop employers from asking prospective employees if they have been previously convicted of crimes. The laws are supposed to help ex-convicts find work, but they are quickly becoming a nightmare for black Americans.

According to a study, employers now guess whether prospective employees are ex-convicts through racial profiling. Considering that some employers believe that blacks are likelier to have been in prison, black job seekers have a lower probability of getting called for an interview than white applicants. This type of determination is often influenced by whether the applicant’s name sounds distinctly white or black.^[8]

Before ban-the-box laws were passed in New Jersey and New York City, white job seekers were 7 percent likelier to be called for an interview than black prospects. The probability shot up to 45 percent in favor of whites after the laws were passed in these locations. Interestingly, this means that convicted white job seekers were likelier to get jobs than blacks who had never been to prison.

2 You Cannot Buy Smart Guns In The US Because Of A Progressive New Jersey Law

Smart guns (aka personalized guns) can only be unlocked and used by the owner. (Think of guns that could be unlocked with fingerprints, just like our phones.) They have been invented and would be a win for gun control if they are introduced into the US.

However, they have not been introduced—and probably never will be—due to the Childproof Handgun Law that was passed in New Jersey in 2002. The law requires New Jersey gun stores to sell only smart handguns 30 months after the first smart gun is available for sale in any state within the US.

Progun advocates say the law is an attempt at gun control and are lobbying hard to stop smart guns from getting into the US market. In 2014, a gun store in Maryland and another in California drew the ire of progun advocates after revealing plans to introduce smart guns in the US. The stores backtracked after their owners received death threats.

In 2016, New Jersey passed a bill to amend the law. According to the bill, gun stores would not need to carry a smart gun–only inventory although they would be required to have at least one smart gun model in their inventory. Then-Governor Chris Christie refused to sign the bill into law.^[9]

1 The Creation Of The US Forest Service Led To More Devastating Wildfires

The US Forest Service was formed to prevent wildfires. Interestingly, its very existence is the reason that the US experiences devastating wildfires. Prior to the creation of the US Forest Service, small natural fires happened in the Southwest every five to 10 years on average. These fires often destroyed shrubs but left the bigger trees untouched.^[10]

However, the US Forest Service prevents these small fires from burning freely. So plants that would have been destroyed in the smaller natural wildfires are spared. As a result, these smaller plants and trees become bigger and more numerous. Worse yet, they become fuel for larger natural or man-made wildfires.

Trademarks are the lifeblood of a company’s brand identity, representing its reputation, values, and promise to consumers. A strong trademark can evoke trust, loyalty, and recognition, but when a trademark becomes tainted by scandal, controversy, or mismanagement, the damage can be irreparable. The once-respected names that people associated with quality and reliability can become synonymous with failure and deceit, forever altering public perception and trust.

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive market, companies must continuously adapt and innovate to maintain their relevance. However, some brands have stumbled so badly that recovery seems impossible. Whether due to spectacular financial failures, legal troubles, or an inability to evolve with changing consumer preferences, these brands have suffered such significant damage that their trademarks are now reminders of their downfall rather than their former glory.

This list explores ten trademarks so badly damaged that their recovery appears improbable. We will delve into the incidents that led to their decline, examining the missteps and controversies that tarnished their reputations. From iconic giants to once-ubiquitous household names, these brands serve as cautionary tales in the world of business, illustrating how even the mightiest can fall.

Related: Top 10 Failed Products From Famous Companies

10 Blockbuster’s Spectacular Fall from Grace

Blockbuster was once the king of the video rental industry, with over 9,000 stores worldwide at its peak. The blue and yellow logo was a familiar sight in nearly every neighborhood, offering a treasure trove of movies and video games for rent. However, Blockbuster’s failure to adapt to the digital revolution marked the beginning of its downfall. The rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, combined with the company’s reluctance to embrace new technology, quickly rendered its business model obsolete.

The final nail in Blockbuster’s coffin came when it declared bankruptcy in 2010. Most of its stores closed, and the brand that once symbolized weekend entertainment became a relic of the past. The name Blockbuster now evokes nostalgia and a cautionary tale of a giant that failed to innovate. Despite a few attempts to revive the brand through nostalgic merchandise and limited pop-up experiences, Blockbuster remains a symbol of obsolescence in the digital age.^[1]

9 Lehman Brothers and the Financial Apocalypse

Lehman Brothers was a titan in the world of investment banking, with roots tracing back to 1850. For decades, it symbolized financial prowess and stability, boasting a prestigious clientele and an influential presence on Wall Street. However, its spectacular collapse in 2008 during the financial crisis was a turning point that sent shockwaves through the global economy. The firm’s excessive risk-taking and exposure to subprime mortgages led to the largest bankruptcy filing in U.S. history, triggering a severe economic downturn.

The name Lehman Brothers has since become synonymous with financial ruin and the dark side of corporate greed. Its downfall exposed the fragility of the financial system and led to widespread regulatory reforms aimed at preventing a similar catastrophe. Despite the efforts of some former executives to rehabilitate their personal careers, the Lehman Brothers brand itself remains irreparably tarnished, serving as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and mismanagement.^[2]

8 Enron’s Epic Fall from Grace

Once hailed as an innovative energy giant, Enron became infamous for orchestrating one of the largest corporate scandals in history. In the late 1990s, the company was praised for its rapid growth and cutting-edge trading strategies. However, this facade crumbled in 2001 when it was revealed that Enron had been engaging in massive accounting fraud to hide its debts and inflate profits. The scandal led to the company’s bankruptcy, the imprisonment of key executives, and billions of dollars in losses for shareholders and employees.

The Enron name has since become synonymous with corporate corruption and unethical business practices. Its collapse led to widespread distrust in corporate governance. It prompted significant changes in regulatory frameworks, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in financial reporting. Despite attempts by some to move past the scandal, the Enron brand remains irrevocably damaged, a lasting symbol of corporate deceit and the devastating impact of greed.^[3]

7 The Rise and Fall of Pan Am

Pan American World Airways, commonly known as Pan Am, was once the epitome of luxury air travel. Founded in 1927, Pan Am pioneered many innovations in the aviation industry, including the use of jet aircraft and computerized reservation systems. The airline’s iconic blue globe logo and sleek aircraft symbolized the golden age of air travel, making it a cultural icon and a beacon of American prowess in international aviation.

Despite its early success, Pan Am struggled with financial instability and increased competition throughout the 1980s. The airline faced a series of crises, including the devastating terrorist bombing of Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988. This tragedy, combined with rising operational costs and mismanagement, accelerated the company’s decline. By 1991, Pan Am had filed for bankruptcy, ending its storied history in the skies.

Efforts to revive the Pan Am brand in subsequent years have been largely unsuccessful. Various attempts to relaunch the airline under different management have failed to capture the public’s imagination or achieve financial viability. Today, the Pan Am name evokes nostalgia for a bygone era of glamorous air travel. Still, it remains a stark reminder of how even the mightiest brands can fall from grace.^[4]

6 RadioShack’s Digital Age Demise and Data Debacle

RadioShack was once a beloved destination for electronics enthusiasts and DIY hobbyists. Founded in 1921, the retail chain grew to thousands of stores across the United States, offering a wide range of electronic components, gadgets, and tech accessories. For decades, RadioShack was the go-to place for anyone needing obscure electronic parts or tech advice. However, the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer preferences began to erode its market share.

In the face of intense competition from online giants like Amazon and big-box stores like Best Buy, RadioShack struggled to stay relevant. Multiple bankruptcy filings and attempts at rebranding could not revive the brand’s fortunes. Adding to its woes, RadioShack’s bankruptcy raised privacy concerns when it was revealed that customer data might be sold to the highest bidder, further damaging its reputation. Despite a few remaining locations and nostalgic merchandise, RadioShack’s name has become a cautionary tale of outdated business models and questionable data protection practices.^[5]

5 Polaroid’s Struggle to Capture the Digital Revolution

Polaroid was once synonymous with instant photography, revolutionizing the way people captured and shared moments. Founded in 1937, the company enjoyed immense success with its iconic instant cameras and film. Polaroid’s technology allowed users to develop photos within minutes, creating a unique and cherished experience. However, the advent of digital photography in the late 1990s marked the beginning of a steep decline for the brand.

As digital cameras and smartphones with built-in cameras gained popularity, Polaroid struggled to keep pace. The company’s attempts to transition to digital products were too little, too late. In 2001, Polaroid filed for bankruptcy, and although it emerged from bankruptcy and attempted several rebranding efforts, the magic of instant film could not be recaptured in the digital age. The brand’s image became more about nostalgia than innovation.

Despite a few successful product launches that leveraged its retro appeal, Polaroid’s overall market presence remains diminished. The company has pivoted toward licensing its brand for various products, but it no longer holds the pioneering spirit it once did. Polaroid’s name now evokes a bygone era of instant photography, overshadowed by its failure to adapt to the digital revolution.^[6]

4 Sears’ Struggle to Revive Its Storied Legacy

Sears was once the largest retailer in the United States, renowned for its comprehensive catalog and extensive department stores. Founded in 1892, Sears became a household name, offering everything from clothing to appliances. Its catalog was a staple in American homes, symbolizing convenience and reliability. However, the retail landscape began to change with the rise of online shopping and big-box competitors like Walmart and Target, leading to a prolonged period of decline for Sears.

Years of declining sales, poor management decisions, and an inability to modernize its business model culminated in multiple bankruptcy filings. Recently, efforts to revive the brand have included reopening some stores, such as the iconic Sears in Burbank, hoping to recapture holiday shoppers’ attention. Despite these efforts, the Sears name, once synonymous with American retail innovation, now struggles to shake off its association with a bygone era. While there are glimmers of hope, Sears’ legacy remains overshadowed by its dramatic fall from grace.^[7]

3 Toys “R” Us Struggles to Reclaim Its Glory

Toys “R” Us was a beloved toy store chain for decades, bringing joy to countless children and parents alike. Founded in 1957, the retailer grew to dominate the toy industry with its expansive stores and wide selection of toys, games, and electronics. The iconic Geoffrey the Giraffe mascot and catchy jingle became ingrained in popular culture, making Toys “R” Us a go-to destination for holiday shopping and birthday gifts.

However, the rise of online shopping giants like Amazon and Walmart severely impacted Toys “R” Us. Unable to compete with the convenience and pricing of these e-commerce platforms, the retailer faced mounting debt and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2017. The closure of its stores marked the end of an era, leaving a void in the hearts of many loyal customers.

In recent years, efforts to revive Toys “R” Us have been underway, with new pop-up locations and collaborations with other retailers. Despite these initiatives, the brand has struggled to regain its former glory. The once-mighty retailer now serves as a cautionary tale of the rapid evolution of the retail industry and the necessity of innovation to stay relevant.^[8]

2 Kodak’s Missed Digital Opportunity

Kodak was a pioneer in the world of photography, known for its groundbreaking film technology and cameras. Founded in 1888, Kodak became a household name, synonymous with capturing life’s moments. However, despite inventing the first digital camera in 1975, Kodak failed to capitalize on this innovation, fearing it would cannibalize its lucrative film business. As digital photography rapidly gained popularity, Kodak struggled to adapt, clinging to its declining film market.

The company’s reluctance to embrace digital technology led to financial turmoil and, ultimately, bankruptcy in 2012. Although Kodak has since tried to reinvent itself by focusing on digital printing and packaging, the brand’s reputation has never fully recovered. Once a symbol of photographic excellence, Kodak is now often seen as a cautionary tale of a giant that missed its chance to evolve. The company’s name evokes nostalgia for the past rather than a vision for the future.^[9]

1 Juicero’s High-Tech Hype and Humiliation

Juicero burst onto the scene with a promise to revolutionize the way people consumed fresh juice. Launched in 2016, the company offered a high-tech juice press that worked exclusively with its proprietary juice packs. Priced at $400, the machine was marketed as a cutting-edge solution for health-conscious consumers. However, the excitement quickly turned to ridicule when it was revealed that the juice packs could be squeezed by hand, rendering the expensive machine unnecessary.

The revelation led to widespread mockery and outrage, with many questioning the company’s value proposition. Juicero’s high-profile investors and sleek marketing couldn’t save it from the public’s scorn. In 2017, less than two years after its launch, the company shut down, leaving its brand irreparably damaged. Juicero’s name has since become a symbol of Silicon Valley excess and the pitfalls of overhyping a product that ultimately failed to deliver.^[10]