Simmons wants rights to the symbol
The lead singer of the American band Coven posted a statement on Facebook today threatening to sue Gene Simmons for his attempt to register the commercial rights to the iconic metal gesture, the maloik. Simmons initiated legal proceedings by submitting the application last Friday.
Coven, formed in 1968, has numerous records of making the gesture since their earliest shows and even on their first released album, Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls .
Simmons' gesture, which he himself claims to have made in 1974, is slightly different, with the thumb at a perpendicular point. This gesture, however, is a symbol that already appears in Buddhist figures from the 5th century BC and represents love in sign language.
See the text written by Coven vocalist Esther 'Jinx' Dawson on their Facebook page:
“Our Facebook page has been bombarded, so here’s my response to Gene Simmons’ claims. I made the ‘devil horns’ sign when Coven started in late 1967 (see photo below). Again, that sign is in a photograph on our first album released in 1969, and also on albums from 1971, 1974, and 2013. This information is in over 25 books. It’s also on our Wikipedia page. I never asked for rights to MY trademark because it’s for everyone to do, but it’s legally my ‘godchild’ in music history. Gene isn’t even making the sign right. He’s making the love gesture from sign language. I think Gene and the Hollywood Reporter should get informed. Write to the Reporter and tell them what YOU think. If he challenges and continues with this initiative, I will sue him on behalf of all of us. I suggest you write to the Reporter to give your opinion on this. Horns up and thank you.” Everyone. Jinx, from Coven
