The Pi Symbol Trademark Controversy erupted in 2014 when artist Paul Ingold attempted to trademark the mathematical constant pi, specifically the symbol followed by a period, for use on apparel. The situation gained internet infamy when Ingold issued cease-and-desist notices to various Zazzle sellers who were using the pi symbol on their products. This move sparked massive backlash from the internet and the scientific community, who argued that a universal mathematical concept cannot be owned or commodified. The meme is typically used to mock aggressive intellectual property claims, corporate overreach, or the sheer absurdity of trying to 'own' something that belongs to the public domain or the fundamental laws of nature.