In the latest instance of bizarre trademark abuse, entrepreneur Oleg Teterin claims to have been awarded a trademark for the ;-) emoticon by Russia’s federal patent agency. Readers will be happy to learn that they can purchase licenses to use the mark for several ten of thousands of dollars, and private users will be revieved to hear that the businessman concerned only intends enforcing his rights against commercial establishments.
I am not sure what the fair use terms in Russia are, or what commercial areas the trademark issued in. Nor am I sure whether Mr Teterin uses the mark in business.
I hope Roger Hargreaves estate considers suing him though…
