http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;sessionid=5ERE2SFXWMO4RQFIQMFCM54AVCBQYJVC?xml=/news/2005/02/18/wnyny18.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/02/18/ixportal.html&secureRefresh=true&_requestid=28294Being known around the globe as "The Big Apple" and "The City That Never Sleeps" is no longer enough for status-obsessed New York. The city's authorities are seeking to trademark a new catchphrase - "The World's Second Home" - which they will use to promote business, culture and tourism.
If application No. 78484751 at the United States Patent and Trademark Office is successful, the city will have exclusive rights to slap the phrase on 200 specified services and products. These range from film and theatrical productions and parades to baby bibs, sunglasses, beanbags, postcards and even temporary tattoos.
Last week, New York's marketing chiefs asked for proposals from companies interested in creating an "official brand identity" for the city. If the "second home" application is approved, the city could attempt to enforce the American trademark internationally, said intellectual property rights lawyers.
The phrase is linked to New York's bid - in competition with London and three other cities - for the 2012 Olympics.