:-(

ID:189119
 
Oct 10 2003, 2:01 pm
No frownies for you!
http://store.yahoo.com/demotivators/frownies.html

At first I thought it was a complete joke but apparently that guy does have frownies trademarked.

http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/ tarr?regser=serial&entry=75502288

Kinda funny and sad at the same time.

[Edit] The EULA is pretty funny too. http://lib1.store.vip.sc5.yahoo.com/lib/demotivators/ frownylicense.txt
Oct 10 2003, 4:39 pm
Ooooookay. I think that is a joke, actually. =P
Oct 10 2003, 5:53 pm
In response to Crispy
Ooooookay. I think that is a joke, actually. =P

But the trademark is real :). They do actually have the rights to the frownie. But atleast they are inexpensive.
Oct 10 2003, 7:04 pm
In response to Theodis
Yeah, the trademark is real. That doesn't stop you from typing :-( out in an e-mail, though... all it really does is stop you from using it as a logo, product name, etc.

My guess is if the company ever tried to sue someone for using the symbol, the lawsuit would be thrown out along with their trademark. They only registered the trademark to add a punchline to their joke, and possibly promote publicity for whatever posters and logowear they sell/plan on selling.