Family of Trayvon Martin seeks to trademark teen's name

According to documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the mother of Trayvon Martin has applied to secure trademarks containing her late son's name.  Sybrina Fulton is seeking to trademark the phrases "I Am Trayvon" and "Justice for Trayvon" for use on "Digital materials, namely, CDs and DVDs featuring Trayvon Martin," and other products:

The two applications -- which cost $325 each -- were filed by an Orlando, Fla., law firm representing Fulton, the Smoking Gun reports.

(Click here to see the submitted applications.)

In the wake of the news that her son had been suspended from school after traces of marijuana were found in backpack, Fulton said on Monday that people were trying to blame the victim.

"Even in death, they are still disrespecting my son, and that is a shame," Martin's father, Tracy, said during a press conference Monday with Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.  Sharpton said he expected the police would attempt to characterize Martin as a "junkie" and "demonize the victim."

"They killed my son, and now they are trying to kill his reputation," Martin's mother added.

It's unclear at this point why Fulton applied to trademark her son's name and the news is likely to fuel criticism that Martin's family and other outspoken supporters are trying to capitalize on his death for personal or financial gain.

In trademarking these slogans, it seems like Martin's family is not merely trying to control how his name or image are used in the wake of the tragedy as his likeness makes its way onto posters and tee shirts.  Similarly, Martin's supporters have begun circulating George Zimmerman's image on a tee shirt identifying the shooter as a "P*** A** CRACKER."  A photo of a Florida rapperwearing the shirt was posted on Twitter, sparking outrage among Zimmerman's supporters.