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College Student Trademarks Gabby Douglas Nickname

He locks up 'Flying Squirrel' ... for now

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2012 11:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – While most Olympic fans were oohing and aahing over Gabby Douglas' gold-medal performance in gymnastics, a Fordham business student oohed, aahed, and then filed to trademark her "Flying Squirrel" nickname on August 6, reports TMZ. AJ Rotonde hopes to make a bundle selling T-shirts and the like—or selling the trademark to Gabby. He can't do anything, however, until the application is formally approved, which could take months. In the meantime, Gabby could file a challenge to the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Olympic champion gymnast Gabby Douglas pretends to talk on the phone while posing for photos on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Aug. 14.
Olympic champion gymnast Gabby Douglas pretends to talk on the phone while posing for photos on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Aug. 14.   (AP Photo/Alex Katz)
In this Aug. 2 file photo, U.S. gymnast Gabby Douglas performs on the balance beam.
In this Aug. 2 file photo, U.S. gymnast Gabby Douglas performs on the balance beam.   (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
ICIPLaw
Aug 20, 2012 2:38 PM CDT
A.J can certainly apply for the Trademark, however, the USPTO will have to approve this application. Depending on the examining attorney assigned, he or she will hopefully issue a letter of refusal.   With respect for Gabby Douglas, it is certainly known this is her brand and most likely she herself will appeal the application. She has good chance of taking ownership of the mark. 
milhousemn
Aug 19, 2012 12:47 PM CDT
You can trademark animal names?  Is sperm whale taken?
George-Jetson
Aug 19, 2012 11:32 AM CDT
What a dick
 

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