article_snippet: Hawking, 73, whose life was played out in the successful biopic The Theory of Everything released this year, has applied to the Intellectual Property Office to have his name formally registered.
article_snippet: Hawking has turned his name into a brand to prevent inappropriate retailers exploiting his name .
article_snippet: The principle reason behind Hawking's move to trademark his name is for charitable purposes.
article_snippet: his name will give Hawking the option of setting up a foundation, such as one promoting physics or for research into motor neurone disease, which has left Hawking paralysed since Hawking was diagnosed aged 21, in 1963.
article_snippet: The move will also prevent others from exploiting Hawking name with inappropriate products and sees Hawking join the ranks of celebrities who have turned their names into brands, such as JK Rowling and David Beckham.
highlights_snippet: Hawking has also applied to trademark Hawking name for charitable purposes .
  