NY couple files to trademark "Occupy Wall St."

(CBS/AP) 

NEW YORK - A Long Island couple has filed to trademark the Occupy Wall Street movement's name, to capitalize on what they said was its potential as a "global brand."

The filing was first reported by The Smoking Gun website.

In a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) application dated Oct. 18, Robert and Diane Maresca sought to trademark the phrase "Occupy Wall St." for use on bumper stickers, hobo bags, gym bags, back packs, carry-ons, umbrellas, clothing and footwear.

Robert Maresca, a former ironworker who describes himself as pro-union, told The Smoking Gun he became interested in Occupy Wall Street after union members began showing up at the protesters' encampment in Zuccotti Park.

Asked if his trademark filing was a "crass attempt" to cash in on an anti-corporate movement, Robert Maresca told The Smoking Gun no, but noted that his was a practical move: "If I didn't buy it and use it, someone else will."

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The Patent Office database shows filings have also been made for Occupy D.C. 2012; 99%er; and both I am the 99% and We Are The 99%.

Maresca told The Smoking Gun said, after coming across the "We Are The 99%" filing, he believed that "Occupy" would prove to be "a more powerful brand."

[Shoymer]

Just because someone tries to play the "Hijack a Slogan for Fun and Profit" game doesn't mean we have to play. I try very hard to not buy anything made by big corporations or bearing "free advertising" in the form of logos or images unless I know who owns them and who gets paid to make them. How very sad for the world that it is infested with such self interested and greedy people.

[judysworld]

Asked if his trademark filing was a "crass attempt" to cash in on an anti-corporate movement, Robert Maresca told The Smoking Gun no, but noted that his was a practical move: "If I didn't buy it and use it, someone else will."

And that, my friends, is what the greedy 1% is all about.....

[DeepDeepGreenGreenie]

It's OK, We'll know where they live. ;)

[endurorob_5]

The guy says he is pro union. What do you wanna bet most of the products they end up selling are made in China or Vietnam.

[canislupus16]

The Marescas might be careful what they wish for.

[credibility2]

Good for them. At least they're going about it through proper channels. I'm sure they'll go and get the rights to every combination and permutation on these words. Hey, if these protesters tried this, they'd be making money off the effort as well. That's what our system is all about.

[KnowerseekerReturns]

Don't buy any of their capitalist sh*t.

[tsigili]

In other words......someone wants to sell goods, to all those idiots out there, who don't even know which way is up, because they are all high on drugs.

That's laughable......turning the "occupy" movement, into making money for Wall St.

[mask2697]

I hate to tell you but no one at the occupy protests have been busted for drugs

[OnTheCrown]

How very un-anti-establishment!

[Brokennews]

Ahhh! Greed!!

It isn't just for rich people!