Smile while you can

The BBC reported earlier this week that Wal-Mart is attempting to trademark the Smiley. Wal-Mart claims they want to trademark it in part to keep a Frenchman from beating it to the punch.

When you need support for a crazy idea, blame the French. Seems to work most of the time.

Of course, the Smiley is not just one of the most universally recognized symbols in the world, it is a source of local pride:

As is well known by now throughout the world Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963. That image went on to become the most recognizable symbol of good will and good cheer on the planet.

As the years passed Harvey Ball became concerned about the over-commercialization of his symbol, and how its original meaning and intent had become lost in the constant repetition of the marketplace.

And now, the very embodiment of over-commercialization wants to take the Smiley out of the public domain once and far all.

Tags: Massachusetts Worcester Wal-Mart Smiley French