Alas, It Looks As If There Will Not Be A Porno Jesus

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, it seems like Christians don't have a sense of humor when it comes to their lord and savior. Granted this is true of most religions, but a recent ruling by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proved it conclusively when they once and for all closed the book on one man's dream to trademark the term "Porno Jesus." 

According to XBIZ (link below), Matthew Beck thought that because terms like "Hookers for Jesus" and "Rednecks for Jesus" had recently been trademarked, that he wouldn't have a problem owning Porno Jesus, or at least he hoped that the appeals board would feel that way. 

Beck’s counsel even submitted as evidence a screenshot of a website devoted to disseminating and supporting Christian pornography, and offering contemporary pornographic video productions marketed toward Christians.

But the appeals board ruled against Beck, stating that because the mark links Jesus with pornography, it may disparage Christian Americans.

"The plain meaning of the terms comprising the mark Porno Jesus, which links Jesus with pornography, supports a finding that the mark may disparage Christian-Americans," Judge Peter Cataldo wrote for the board.

"The connection between Jesus and pornographic or sexually explicit materials engendered by the mark is emphasized in this case inasmuch as the identification of goods indicates that applicant intends to use his mark in connection with sexually explicit materials," he wrote.

Hopefully this won't discourage Matthew from seeking to trademark other dubious terms like NAMBLA Jesus or Log Cabin Republican Jesus. Keep on dreaming those beautiful dreams Matthew.

Via XBIZ