Sci/Tech OMG: Russia entrepreneur looks for $$$ from ;-)

[enouwee]

How much would you pay for a ;-)? A Russian businessman has trademarked the emoticon - or combination of punctuation marks - used to convey a wink in text messages and e-mail.

Oleg Teterin, president of the mobile ad company Superfone, said Thursday he doesn't plan on tracking down individual users following the decision by the federal patent agency.

"I want to highlight that this is only directed at corporations, companies that are trying to make a profit without the permission of the trademark holder," he said in comments to NTV.

Companies will be sent legal warnings if they use the symbol without his permission, he said.

Russian businessman trademarks emoticon

How much would you pay for a ;-)? A Russian businessman has trademarked the emoticon — or combination of punctuation marks — used to convey a wink in text messages and e-mail.

www.seattletimes.com

 

[DDRtists]

What the hell? Who let him do that?

 

[enouwee]

Who let him do that?

Someone who's been made an offer he couldn't refuse?

 

[Darkchaoself]

This is pretty bullshit.

Its like if i trademarked the word "Hello" and said no one could use it. Ever.

Trademarking something you made, or an object is one thing; but trademarking a "word" (Emoticon) that tons of people use everyday is just ridiculous.

This shouldnt be allowed ^_^

Extra-Pwnage time: ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) (Yes, i do know that he doesn't care if individuals use it.)

 

[MurderMode]

^TWO HIT COMBO - ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-)

yeah seriously, how can you trademark something that has been in wide circulation for like a decade? I've owned phones that have that emoticon as a preset so if it's been sold and distributed to this day without a copyright I'm pretty sure it's free to use.

Seems like property and stocks aren't the way to invest these days... just go trademark someones language or culture to make a quick buck..... tomoro I'm off to trademark my brand new character design - jesus. I'd appreciate it if you guys stop using the likeness of my holy crusader in your religions please.

 

[esb]

Wow... this is just stupid. What has this world come to?

 

[Aqua Dragon]

Wow... this is just stupid. What has this world come to?

One where changing the font of the text would probably suffice in not bringing up a lawsuit

 

[DM Cross]

Excuse me, but I have just trademarked "OMG"... Please stop using it, or I will have to charge you per view, Enouwee

 

[Miz]

One where changing the font of the text would probably suffice in not bringing up a lawsuit

Success! :thup:

 

[sqrage]

Good thing I prefer ;]

 

[Prediter[BuB]

Who has the right to let him trademark this? He didn't invent the emote. And it isn't anyone's to give away.

 

[Romek]

How would I go about trademarking the word 'the'?

 

[Uberplayer]

Romek?

 

[FireCat]

How would I go about trademarking the word 'the'?

Instead of 'the' why not trademark the whole thread from 2008 hahahahaha

 

[Romek]

/sigh

Note for the future: Don't reply to threads spam bots just posted in (I deleted the post then replied).
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