World-renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has applied for a trademark of his name through the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom.
Hawking, also a best-selling author and a cosmologist, trademarked his name to be able to give himself a say on where and how his name is used for public purposes. He filed for the trademark with Brian Cox, a popular TV presenter and physicist in the United Kingdom.
In addition to preventing his name from being exploited for inappropriate products, Hawking also filed the trademark for charity and educational reasons.
The trademark is actually primarily for "charitable purposes," which would allow Hawking to establish a foundation that is dedicated to the motor-neurone disease that he was diagnosed with back in 1963.
Once the trademark is accepted, Hawking will have the decision on where and how his name is used on products such as books and postcards.
A spokesperson for Cambridge University, wherein Hawking used to previously teach, said to The Sunday Times that the trademark filing for Hawking's name is a personal matter and one that does not concern the university.
While his legacy has already made a lasting mark on the field of science, it is Hawking's recent forays into the limelight of the media that may have triggered the decision to apply for a trademark on his name.
Back in 2012, Hawking accepted his first guesting on the popular United States sitcom The Big Bang Theory, and last year, The Theory of Everything, a biographical picture on the early life of Hawking that starred Eddie Redmayne, was released. The movie was acclaimed internationally, receiving several awards, with Hawking himself congratulating Redmayne for his performance in the movie.
Hawking has also recently become more vocal regarding his thoughts on popular topics. Last month, when asked about a shortcoming of humanity that needs to be changed, Hawking said that aggression could cause the downfall of humanity, and that our survival will depend on cooperation and kindness.
Trademarking names has been a growing trend among celebrities, with Harry Potter book series author J.K. Rowling even taking out trademarks on the names of characters in the series. Jay Z and Beyonce also applied to trademark the name of their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, in 2012. Sarah Palin was also able to successfully file a trademark for her name and that of her daughter Bristol in 2011 after several failed attempts.
Ring announcer Michael Buffer filed for a trademark on his popular catchphrase "Let's get ready to rumble" back in 1992. By 2009, Buffer had earned over $400 million from the trademark.
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