The question of historical precedent is interesting. In her post she says she's been using "zephoria" personally since 1998; Wayback Machine shows a zephoria.org landing page in 2002 and a full website in 2003. And she had a public profile even back then (There was an NYT article ... wow, in 2003).
The trademark apparently was from 2002, but hypothetically, had it been a few years later, would having the same name as the handle and personal domain of a (mildly) well-known person be relevant for a decision to grant a trademark?
The trademark apparently was from 2002, but hypothetically, had it been a few years later, would having the same name as the handle and personal domain of a (mildly) well-known person be relevant for a decision to grant a trademark?