'Snooki' of 'Jersey Shore' cannot trademark her name due to children's book about cat

08/13/2010 by Corinne Heller

Nicole Polizzi, aka "Snooki" from MTV reality show Jersey Shore, has been denied an official request to trademark her nickname because it is too similar to that of a cat in a children's book called Adventures of Snooky: Under the Sea.

"The terms SNOOKY and SNOOKI are very similar ... Therefore, given the similarity of marks and identity of goods, there is a likelihood of confusion," states the official document, filed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Polizzi, 22, had wanted to retain the right to use the word "Snooki" in printed materials, such as books, and in "entertainment in the nature of personal appearances by a television personality". The government says she can resubmit her application if she clarifies which specific materials would contain her nickname.

Adventures of Snooky: Under the Sea was published in 2003 and written by Karen Monaghan and Maureen Monaghan-Faber. Karen Monaghan also wrote the book SARS: down but still a threat: Volume 3.

Polizzi was arrested in New Jersey last month for disorderly conduct while she was being filmed for Jersey Shore. She said she didn't remember much about the actual arrest - only being conscious once she was already in jail.

"I woke up in the drunk tank, I was like, 'Alright, I must have drank way too many cocktails,'" she told MTV.

Season two of Jersey Shore was filmed in Miami and Seaside Heights and premiered last month. MTV has said the group of self-proclaimed "Guidos and Guidettes" will return to Seaside Heights for a third season.

Polizzi made headlines last year after the posting of an internet video that showed her getting punched in the face by a 24-year-old high school gym teacher during a confrontation at a bar. Polizzi's father recently said he found it difficult to understand why audiences were drawn to his daughter's wild antics.