"Jersey Shore's" star denied name trademark for "Snookie"

[Brian Damage]

"Jersey Shore's" Nicole Polizzi lost a legal hold on her famous "Snooki" nickname after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected her application on grounds that a similar character already beat her to the punch, reports celebrity website the Smoking Gun.

Since 2004, the publishers of book featuring a cartoon cat by the name of "Snooky" have retained the rights to the name, which was trademarked for the kids' book "Adventures of Snooky."

Despite the spelling difference of the names, the U.S.P.T.O. refused the reality star's request to trademark her tag for print media because of a "likelihood of confusion" with the animated feline.

"Jersey Shore's" self-described "guidette" has the option to appeal the U.S.P.T.O.'s decision.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/...40294d15b904c0