They are two of the nation 's most famous scientists , famed for their ground-breaking work in the world of physics . But now , Professors Stephen Hawking and Brian Cox also share the honour of becoming fully fledged brands by turning their names into trademarks . 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 . Cox , 47 , the Human Universe presenter , has already made the move . Professor Hawking has turned his name into a brand to prevent inappropriate retailers exploiting it . Online retailers , such as the site Redbubble , sell T shirts featuring a zombie Stephen Hawking above the words 'Hawking Dead ' There is a wide range of Stephen Hawking memorabilia online , many of which include corny catchphrases . This will enable the pair to sell their brands for anything from greetings cards to disability aids to set up an educational charity . The principle reason behind Professor Hawking 's move to trademark his name is for charitable purposes . It will give him the option of setting up a foundation , such as one promoting physics or for research into motor neurone disease , which has left him paralysed since he was diagnosed aged 21 , in 1963 . The move will also prevent others from exploiting his name with inappropriate products and sees him join the ranks of celebrities who have turned their names into brands , such as JK Rowling and David Beckham . There is a wide range of Professor Hawking memorabilia available on the internet , including a thong with his quote 'while there may be primitive life in our region of the galaxy , there do n't seem to be any advanced intelligent beings ' , inked on the front . There is also a pair of boxer shorts , available for £8 , with a cartoon sketch of the scientist on and T shirts featuring a zombie Professor Hawking above the words 'Hawking Dead ' . A spokesman for Cambridge University , where he is a director of research at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics , told the Sunday Times : 'It 's a personal matter , it is not a university issue , but he has taken measures to protect his name and the success it has brought . ' TV science presenter Brian Cox has also turned his name into a trademark to prevent retailers cashing in on it . This Brian Cox doll is selling for £12.99 on Amazon ( left ) , while the ' I love Brian Cox ' badges are available for £1 . Mr Cox , who was also a keyboard player in the band D : Ream that produced the hit record Things Can Only Get Better ( later used as a New Labour election anthem ) , may have also branded his name to protect his reputation . Amazon is selling a Brian Cox doll , at £12.99 , which is described as being as 'cuddly as the brilliant Professor Brian Cox himself ' . Retailers also offer coffee mugs bearing his face and T shirts with slogans such as ' I will do science to you ' , ' I am the master of the universe ' , and simply ' I love Cox ' .
Professors hired lawyers to turn their names into trademarks to sell brand . Aims to prevent others exploiting their name with inappropriate products . Hawking has also applied to trademark his name for charitable purposes . Join ranks of other celebrities to have done so , such as Stephen Hawking .