WI Couple Trying To Coin 'Occupy Wall Street'

West Islip residents Robert and Diane Maresca are trying trademark the slogan "Occupy Wall Street" in hopes of selling merchandise across the country, according to multiple reports. 

According to a CNN story, Diane filed a trademark application on Oct. 18, which cost the couple $975. 

From the CNN report:

The move has some Occupy Wall Street supporters perplexed.

"The goal of OWS is not to become a profitable business," said Tyler Combelic, an Occupy Wall Street spokesman. "Anything that misconstrues it as such, such as trademarking for the sake of profiting, is missing the point of protest."

According to a story on The Smoking Gun, Maresca is a former union ironworker and best describes himself at a political independent.

Asked if his move to stake a legal claim to “Occupy Wall Street” might be seen as a crass attempt to cash in on a movement that has a harsh view of corporations and capitalism, Maresca answered, “No.” Noting that he has a “practical business side,” Maresca added that, “If I didn’t buy it and use it someone else will.”

However, Maresca did tell CNN that he intended to donate proceeds to Occupy Wall Street supporters so they "get the maximum benefit possible after any expenses."