No fewer than 15 "Shock and Awe" trademark applications were pending, said Patent and Trademark spokeswoman Sharon Marsh.

"It makes sense," she said. "That term has gotten a lot of attention."

The competing marketers sell varied products -- computer games, fireworks, pesticide, boxing gloves, swimwear, basketballs, T-shirts, baseball caps, mugs and plates, Marsh added.

One of the first companies to put its foot in the trademark door was Sony, who on March 21 files its application for a computer game.

In other Iraq War-related trademark applications, the US war games company Battlefront.com Inc is seeking exclusivity in using the term "Operation Iraqi Freedom."

And a sunglass retailer has applied for a trademark for "Liberty Shield," the name the Homeland Security Department chose for its security program.

SPACE.WIRE