Long Island Couple Abandons Bid To Trademark “Occupy Wall St.” (So Forget About Those Branded “Hobo Bags”)

A Long Island couple has abandoned their attempt to trademark the phrase “Occupy Wall St.” so that they could put it on merchandise like bumper stickers, umbrellas, and hobo bags, according to federal records.

Robert and Diane Maresca last week notified the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that they were dropping their application for the “Occupy Wall St.” trademark, which was filed on October 18 (and cost the couple a $975 filing fee).

As TSG first reported on October 24, Robert Maresca cited the potential of “Occupy” to become a “global brand” as a reason for him seeking to obtain the trademark. “If I didn’t buy it and use it,” he said at the time, “someone else will.”

The Marescas, however, changed their mind in the face of criticism that they appeared to be trying to cash in on the leaderless protest movement. “We decided to step away and let the group go forward with their trademark,” Maresca said today. “Now they’re first in line.”

Hours after TSG disclosed the Maresca trademark bid, “Occupy Wall Street”--describing itself as an “unincorporated association”--filed its own USPTO application, which is pending.