On July 16, 2013, five separate trademark applications were filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for protection of the phrase “Registered Gifted.” While this might seem like a move an organization such as the National Association for Gifted Children might make, you will never guess who actually filed the applications.
The applications were filed by the attorneys for the Disney corporation on behalf of its subsidiary, Marvel Comics. Yes, the company that brought you Spider-Man, the Hulk, and Iron Man are seeking to protect the registration of giftedness.
But what possible purpose could a comic book company have for the phrase? We do know this: Marvel’s X-Men characters, comics, and films have long been suggested as metaphors for the gifted in the real world, and it is possible that the company wants to make the link much stronger. It could also point to a potential plot line for the company’s new television show, The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (which debuts on ABC in the Fall), involving a mandatory registration for individuals with exceptional abilities.
As if the registrations of the phrase by Marvel Comics wasn’t odd enough, the identified uses for the phrase begin as you might expect and become progressively more bizarre. Among the uses that the registrations seek to protect:
- Comic books; graphic novels; printed periodicals in the field of comic book stories and artwork
- Printed visuals in the nature of comic book stories and artwork
- Photographs
- Posters
- Stationery
- Clothing, footwear and headwear
- Apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images
- Audio books; audio recordings; audio and visual recordings
- Video game software
- Computer programs and software
- Consumer electronics and accessories therefore
- Electronic games and game software
- Entertainment and online services
- Toys, games and playthings
- Hand-held units for playing electronic games
- Gymnastic and sporting articles (except clothing)
- Decorative magnets
- Eyeglasses and sunglasses and accessories
- Binoculars
- Graduated rulers
- Christmas stockings
- Christmas tree ornaments and decorations
- Snow globes
You can take a look at the registration records yourself at the following link: United States Patent and Trademark Office Search.
Wow. My fist reaction was to feel like they were taking something that didn’t belong to them…but after a few minutes I started thinking maybe if Disney started making shows about being gifted it could bring greater awareness? As the mom of 2 highly gifted children I have at times felt misunderstood and even ostracized. Our society really doesn’t understand “gifted” (myself included before having 2 gifted children) and because of that resources are not available to help these kids who are at a higher risk for not completing high school, depression and underachievement.
Thanks for the comments, Jen. I agree with you, but my concern and strong suspicion is that, even if Disney/Marvel attempts to portray their characters in terms of giftedness, the viewing public will miss the subtext.
And there is also the risk that Disney/Marvel’s efforts may dilute the seriousness of the term to the point that it loses its value for the truly gifted.
Jen, such a TV show did exist – briefly. ‘Alphas’, lasting one season last year. It didn’t really do what you hoped for.
I enjoyed it and it did have sympathetic characters but they were maladjusted, neurotic and beset by their demons. In short, gifted though they were, they were high maintenance.