LOS ANGELES, CA — She didn’t make up the nickname, but now that it’s a household word, the mother of 14 in vitro fertilization babies has decided that she not only kinda likes it, but she’d like to make a little money off of it. “It” is “Octomom” and “she” is Nadya Suleman.Suleman dove face first into the public arena three months ago after her eight most recent “miracle babies” were born and managed to survive the process. Alas for the unemployed and intentionally single Suleman, once the world’s initial amazement over the scientific improbability of her conception, pregnancy and delivery passed, it was replaced with moral and financial outrage and indignation.
During that process, tabloids began referring to her by the nickname “Octomom.”
Nonetheless, after being inundated with criticism and even violence from everyday citizens, as well as donated and then revoked nanny services and even reality show and porn offers, Suleman has decided that she wants to officially own the right to be called “Octomom.”
Naturally, that right would include copious marketing opportunities.
In a bid to take control of the moniker, Suleman filed two U.S. Patent and Trademark Office applications on April 10th. According to the Associated Press, the applications include the right to retain sole use of the name for television programs, clothing lines and both disposable and cloth diapers.
Jeff Czech, Suleman’s current attorney, has indicated that at least two individuals have approached him with ideas about Octomom branded clothing and dolls.
“She doesn’t particularly care for the name,” Czech confided to the press, “but she thinks it’s a good idea to protect it. She has a sense of humor about it.”
Unfortunately for Suleman, Texas-based video game company Super Happy Fun Fun may have beat her to the Trademark Office by a month. Its application refers to a pregnancy related game that requires players to “press down on Fertyle Myrtle’s swollen belly” in order to ensure that “another adorable bundle of joy will be brought into the world.”
Czech says his client isn’t worried, though. Although trademarks generally are given to those who apply first, he insists that “in this case, it’s more than just a name. It’s become a person. When it becomes so associated with a name or a person, it is protectable.”
After 14 kids, protection is something Suleman might want to give serious thought toward.
