It's not exactly news that the Palin family is obsessed with promoting and cashing in on the Palin brand, but now it's official:
In the last several months, Politics Daily has learned that the Palin family lawyer, Alaska attorney Thomas Van Flein, has filed applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office to trademark "Sarah Palin®" and "Bristol Palin®."
Apparently, it's not uncommon for celebrities to trademark their names, which is why America's favorite born-again virgin is seeking to protect her name so that only she can make money for "educational and entertainment services, namely, providing motivational speaking services in the field of life choices."
Mama Palin is also seeking to protect her name for entertainment purposes, but also for "information about political elections and providing a website featuring information about political issues."
In case you're wondering whether it's common for politicians to trademark their names -- nope, it's not:
Politicians seldom trademark their name but they might do so to prevent others from using it, for example, to sell shoddy, unapproved merchandise or "official" candidate memorabilia. A search for other political figures such as President Barack Obama and potential 2012 GOP presidential candidates Mike Huckabee, Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney do not show any pending trademark applications. It is a rarity, say trademark attorneys, for political figures to file such forms.
So anyone sitting on a great idea for Palin Pitbull Perfume or Bristol Birth Control better act fast before the only ones who can exploit the Palin name for money will be the Palins Palins®.