Friday the 13th is once again upon us. The fear of Friday the 13th – paraskevidekatriaphobia – is derived from the Greek paraskevi (Friday), triskaideka (thirteen), and phobia (fear). It has been said that fear of Friday the 13th is the most widespread superstition in the United States today and it has been estimated that as many as 21 million Americans are afflicted with some level of the phobia.
This particular phobia appears to be a product of western culture and there have many theories advanced as to how we have come fear the combination of Friday and the number 13. Interestingly, other cultures have a different take. In Spanish speaking cultures, Tuesday the 13th is considered an especially unlucky day, as it is in Greece. In Italy, it is Friday the 17th that is feared.
How has paraskevidekatriaphobia impacted trademark registrations? Well, in the United States, only one brave company claims FRIDAY THE 13TH as its mark.
You guessed it. The mark inspired by the fictional character, Jason Voorhees, who drowned as a boy at summer camp and came back with a vengeance and a hockey mask, is currently owned by New Line Cinema:
Talk about having a strong mark in an uncrowded field! Congratulations to Jason and New Line Cinema.
Enjoy your Friday the 13th.
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