Intellectual Property News reports “that Charlie Sheen has been adding to his growing trademark portfolio again. His two most recently filed trademark applications are for Masheen and Sheenius. Both applications were filed in one class of goods but the descriptions cover many different classes which means that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is certain to issue Office Actions, and then Sheen will have 6 months to file appropriate responses. At that time, he will have to cough up an additional $2,000+ in government filing fees if he truly intends to use the trademarks for all of the goods and services listed.”
So what? Why should Charlie Sheen capitalize on what otherwise will end up in the hands of cyber-squatters? I say more power to him. Other people will (to the extent that it isn't already happening) try to make money on his catch phrases, maybe selling t-shirts, hats, sunglasses, beer bottle holders and the like of typical trinkets. Big corporations try to hold onto a number of trademarks through the intent to use process while they conduct focus groups studies and hone in on the one or ones that ultimately they believe will bring in the most consumers. And, it does not appear that Mr. Sheen cannot afford the office actions. Filing in one class to start off is savvy. Let the examining attorney make the determination of exactly how many classes there are in the goods/services description; there's no prohibition against it. Is it really that unimaginable that Mr. Sheen comes forth with a cologne, clothes, accessories, beverages (alcohol or not), bars/restaurants. Rock stars, athletes and other actors all have done this long before Mr. Sheen's trademark filings. Let his entrepreneurial spirit soar. He has a fan base and if he sells to them, they will buy. Good then for him to have federal trademark protection to enforce his rights against infringers who only wish that they got there first.
