Money | trademarks 9 Worst Attempts to Create Company Trademarks Sometimes, trademarking a phrase or image isn't a great idea By Ashley Allen Posted Nov 17, 2010 10:08 AM CST Posted Nov 17, 2010 10:08 AM CST Promoted on Newser Nov 17, 2010 3:36 PM CST Copied Sorry, Wal-Mart, but the Smiley Face isn't yours. (Flickr) Protecting one's brand is a cardinal rule of business, but sometimes attempts to trademark phrases and the like seem off the mark. 24/7WallSt rounds up nine of what it sees as the most absurd: Nintendo, "It's On Like Donkey Kong:" The video game company wants to own rights to this phrase, which can be traced back to a 1992 song by Ice Cube. Subway, "Footlong:" The sub-maker has applied to register this common phrase and prevent other restaurants from advertising 12-inch meals. Wal-Mart, Smiley Face: The megastore was disappointed to find it could not gain rights to this 1970s classic. Click here to read the full list. Read These Next Gavin Newsom has filed a massive lawsuit against Fox News. Trumps ends trade talks with Canada. New York Times ranks the best movies of the 21st century. White House rolls with Trump's 'daddy' nickname. Report an error