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 The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Details trickle out on 2 more victims of the Minneapolis shooting. Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. Report an error