After backlash from critics, fans, and his peers, it appears Gene Simmons has withdrawn his application to trademark the “devil horns” hand gesture.

The co-founder of KISS filed the paperwork, claiming that he first made the sign in 1974. The sign has a variety of meanings in different cultures and is used by many musicians over a variety of genres. Simmons’ efforts were immediately met with backlash.

The “devil horns” usually are linked to Ronnie James Dio, who’s widow was one of the first to speak up about this situation. Wendy, Dio’s widow, called the idea of the trademark “disgusting,” arguing Simmons had “made a complete fool of himself,” and insisting, “It belongs to everyone; it doesn’t belong to anyone. … It’s a public domain; it shouldn’t be trademarked.”

According to Forbes, the application has been “expressly abandoned”, and while no public comment or reason was provided, the report notes “Hand gestures in and of themselves cannot function as trademarks. And, even if they could, there would be no practical way to enforce the trademark against others.”