British physicist Stephen Hawking is customary to trademark his name; with the ranks of celebrities such as J.K. Rowling and David Beckham who have twisted their names hooked on brands
For Hawking; whose celebrity was recently furthered by the Oscar-winning success of the film The Theory of Everything; the primary aim is to prevent others from abusing his name with inappropriate products.
“It’s a personal matter for Stephen Hawking; it is not a university issue; but he has occupied measures to protect his name and the success it has bought;” said a spokesman for Cambridge University; where Hawking is director of research at the department of applied mathematics and theoretical physics.
Hawking has also applied to trademark his name for charitable purposes; giving him the option of setting up a foundation; such as to promote physics; or for research into motor neurone illness; which has paralysed him; the Sunday Times reported. His trademark would shelter computer games; motorized wheelchairs; greetings cards and healthcare.
There is a wide range of Hawking collectables available on the Internet; including a thong with his quote “while there may be primitive life in our region of the congregation; there don’t seem to be any advanced intelligent beings”; inked on the front.
There is also a pair of combatant shorts; available for £8; with a cartoon sketch of the scientist on and T-shirts containing a zombie Professor Hawking above the words “Hawking Dead”.
Chris McLeod; president of the Organization of Trade Mark Attorneys; said the move could be worth millions of pounds.
