Gene Simmons on his attempt to trademark devil horns gesture: ‘I can do anything I want to do’
He speaks defiantly about his abandoned application
Last updated 18th Aug 2017
Gene Simmons says he has absolutely zero regrets about attempting to trademark the ‘sign of the horns’ hand gesture.
Back in June, the KISS bassist was met with derision when he filed an application with the US Patent and Trademark Office seeking ownership of the ‘sign of the horns’. ‘rock on’ or ‘devil horns’ gesture that’s synonymous with rock music.
Gene wanted to trademark his version of the gesture, which “consists of the index and small fingers extended upward and the thumb extended perpendicular”, for “entertainment, namely, live performances by a musical artist; personal appearances by a musical artist.”
Just under two weeks later, however, Gene axed his attempts with the application papers reading: “Abandoned because the applicant filed an express abandonment.”
Now, in a highly defiant interview with Windsor Star, Gene has stood by his decision to try and trademark the gesture, explaining “I can do anything I want to do."
"I regret nothing. Wake up every morning and let your conscience be your guide,” Gene said.
"Did you know I own the money bag logo? The dollar sign with the bag of money. I own all kinds of things. I own 'motion pictures' as a trademark.
“Anyone who thinks that's silly - the silliest thing I've ever done is wear more makeup and higher heels than your mommy. People said, 'You can't do that.' Actually, bitch - I can. I can do anything I want to do."
Speaking to Loudwire a few weeks back, KISS singer Paul Stanley said he had absolutely no idea why Gene sought the trademark.
"Well, you know, Gene elicits some very strong reactions from people,” Paul said. “And what he does he does for the reasons that only he knows. So I can't really say that I have really any thought about it.
“It was really something that he wanted to pursue, and the reaction was how people felt about it. So I don't know why he pulled it, and I don't know why he started it. I really have no… I haven't asked him."