GENE SIMMONS SEEKS TO TRADEMARK “DEVIL’S HORN” HAND GESTURE
The Hollywood Reporter reports:
Kiss frontman Gene Simmons is awaiting the signal from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office after he filed an application Friday for a trademark [devil’s horn] [Dana’s note: See picture below].
According to Simmons, this hand gesture was first used in commerce November 14th, 1974. That appears to correspond with Kiss’ Hotter Than Hell tour.
Simmons is claiming the hand gesture mark for “entertainment, namely, live performances by a musical artist; personal appearances by a musical artist.”
Before the Trademark Office allows this hand gesture to be registered — it perhaps wouldn’t be unprecedented — an examiner would consider the likelihood of confusion and, possibly, whether it’s too generic to be associated with Simmons.
…An even bigger question is the extent to which Simmons could enforce trademark rights even if his registration is accepted.
source: hollywoodreporter.com
Firstly, I would be surprised if he wins this trademark, as it has been used for centuries in many cultures, namely, as putting an “evil eye” on an individual.
Secondly, I will forever associate that hand gesture with Ronnie James Dio, not Gene Simmons, sorry.
Agreed, Dana. I’m a pretty big Gene Simmons fan, as I admire his all business attitude to what is, in spite of what a lot of people think, the music BUSINESS! But there is very little chance he is going to get this trademark. As you said, this gesture has been used for centuries for many different things. And I agree that, for most people in the hard rock/ heavy metal community, this gesture will FOREVER be associated with Ronnie James Dio! Sorry, Gene!
That hand gesture is sign language for
“I love you” not the RJD devil’s horn.
Gene won’t bleed 1 cent out of this one.
The photo of Gene in this article looks like the I love you sign. I thought the devils horns were the first finger next to the thumb and the pinky held up with the thumb, middle and ring fingers tucked into the palm of the hand? Regardless, I’m all for capitalism, but this time ol’ Genie is a bit ridiculous.
Hey Gene,
Guess who just inspired me to trademark the middle finger?
I got dibbs on the peace sign.
I call dibs on “flipping the bird.”
D 🙂
I BELIEVE THATS THE SIGN FOR I LOVE YOU IN SIGN LANGUAGE .THIS GUY HAS NOTHING ELSE BETTER TO DO.WHAT A HOOPLE….
Thank you, all, for correcting me regarding what hand gesture Mr. Simmons is displaying in this photo. Interestingly enough, it does look like a variation of the devil horns. 😉
Regardless, I still do not believe Mr. Simmons will be successful in this endeavor.