ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Sarah Palin is attempting to trademark her name ahead of a possible 2012 presidential run.
The former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate filed paperwork with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in November to register the trademark.
The federal office is seeking more information and examples of usage. The office also is seeking additional details for a similar application submitted in September by Palin’s daughter, Bristol, a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” last year.
Palin’s attorney, John J. Tiemessen, said Friday that he has six months to provide the information.
“We are preparing to respond to all their questions for both,” he said from his office in Fairbanks.
He said he couldn’t disclose the reasons why both applied for trademarks because of attorney- client privilege.
Seattle lawyer Marshall J. Nelson said it’s not unusual for entertainers to copyright their names.
“Everybody’s name is sort of their brand,” Nelson said.
Once a name is trademarked, he said, it gives the holder additional remedies to recover profits and damages if someone uses the name inappropriately.
That holds true for politicians as well as entertainers. The Associated Press
