We've seen politicians co-opt OWS now the commercialization has begun.
My local paper, reports that a Long Island couple, Robert & Diane Maresca of West Islip, NY have filed to trademark the name of OWS. Maresca, who said he worked for Ironworkers Local 361 in Brooklyn until he was injured a few years ago, and is now a stay-at-home dad, said he was initially opposed to OWS. His initial reaction was that it was just idealistic college kids and the movement wouldn't amount to anything. But once union members began showing up for rallies, he changed his views. He said he is a fiscal conservative and a social liberal but other than running for the local school board has never been politically active.
The paper quotes OWS PR working group, Michael Fix and Beth Bogart as not being surprised by someone trying to make money off the protest. "We are not surpirsed, as everyone is trying to hijack, or co-opt the movement. Unfortunately, this is another example of taking the blood, sweat and tears of the creators...and exploiting them for financial gain."
Robert Maresca claims he is not trying to make money off of it but spread the word. Their Oct 18th trademark filing, has them paying $975 for the right to put Occupy Wall Street on T-shirts, handbags and glasses.
Luckily the report says the couple faces an uphill battle to win the trademark since the phrase is already well-known and in use; part of the public domain
I'm surprised it's taken this long before someone has tried to do this. Thoughts anyone?