Walmart wants to trademark the happy face
WTF?! The symbol of the hippie generation going corporate? The previously public domain smiley face, which has been free for anyone to use – is now in the middle of a trademark dispute.
Wal-Mart decided to register the trademark after Mr Loufrani threatened to claim ownership of the hippie symbol.
It’s a mark that we have a tremendous investment in and is very closely identified with our company.
I do feel bad for Walmart, considering the Happy face is closely identified with the company. Unfortunately, when you base your whole image on a public domain image, this is bound to happen.
