Big Companies Being Big Companies

by Liz Colville

In a roundup of idiotic trademark attempts, 24/7 Wall Street reveals that Wal-Mart attempted to buy the copyright to the smiley face — the kiiiind of ubiquitous-at-this-point image that even its supposed inventor couldn’t get trademarked. Subway wanted to prevent other food companies from being able to advertise “footlongs,” and even “sent out cease and desist letters to various restaurants, including the Coney Island Drive Inn, which has sold foot long hot dogs since 1963.” And Harley Davidson tried to trademark the sound of an engine revving.