August 22, 2011 | The Biz

Corbin Fisher cock-blocked by patent office

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is refusing to approve Corbin Fisher's trademark request for the Corbin Fisher University logo. The Office declared, “The depiction of male genitals in connection with adult entertainment services is shocking to the sense of decency or propriety."

The examiner added that "while the applicant has indicated in the drawing description that the design is of a 'tower,' the mark clearly identifies male genitalia because of the circular design at the base of the design and the shape of the design at the top. None of these elements are present in a traditional design of a tower or obelisk.”

The Trademark Act does permit examiners to block registration of "immoral" or "scandalous" items, but Corbin Fisher doesn't think its image, though admittedly phallic, crosses the line. The decision will be appealed.

"The proposed mark is a tower and all towers are in fact phallic symbols," Corbin Fisher general counsel Marc Randazza explained. "The rejection, if left to stand, would operate to ban any tower-imagery for the [USPTO] Principal Register.

"The applicant should not be denied the right to protect these alpha-male characteristics just because the USPTO feels threatened by them.  After all, America is an alpha nation, and such a beta position cuts against the very fabric of the symbolism that tells the tale of the American experience."

What next, women showing their ankles?

Corbin Fisher Says CFU Logo Is Phallic but Not Scandalous [XBiz]