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You know, when you have a multi-media empire you’re trying to build–a basic cable “reality” show, books, lecture circuits, Fox News contributor status–you gotta protect the brand. You don’t want people making porn or tacky merchandise hurting your brand. Now some people may say that horse is already out of the barn, and at the hands of those closest to you , but let’s give Palin credit for thinking ahead to her possible presidential run. Except… Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s bid to trademark her name and that of her daughter, Bristol, ran into trouble at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office because the application forms were unsigned , government records show. Applications to trademark the names Sarah Palin and Bristol Palin, both for “motivational speaking services,” were filed on November 5 by the Palins’ longtime family attorney, Thomas Van Flein, but were quickly slapped down by a trademark examiner. “Registration is refused because the applied-for mark, SARAH PALIN, consists of a name identifying a particular living individual whose consent to register the mark is not of record,” the patent agency said in an office action. “Please note this refusal will be withdrawn if applicant provides written consent from the individual identified in the applied-for mark,” the patent office said. The office also said Palin’s application failed to show that her name had been used in commerce and could also be rejected on those grounds. This is a person who thinks she should be given the nuclear launch codes and she can’t even remember to sign a petition protecting her own name? Methinks little details elude the half-governor just a wee too often for comfort. But if she (or her obviously crack legal staff) manage to get their act together and successfully trademark her name, we’ll have to find a new name for her…I’m partial to Sarah WordSalad, but Blue Gal is lobbying for Grifty McQuitter. Your thoughts? Addendum: Bristol’s burgeoning career as a “motivational speaker” seems to have a hit a speedbump or two, thanks to actress Kate Walsh and students at Washington University in St. Louis . Maybe trademarking shouldn’t be Bristol’s first priority either.