This makes me think of one of my favorite Warhol quotes, "Don't pay attention to what they write about you. Just measure it in inches."
Regarding trademarking "Octomom", if she didn't do it, the name could be used by others to profit themselves. Then she would have no control over how her image may be used in the future or what it would be used to sell. If we're going to gape, now she can turn that interest into money. Money that benefits her lifestyle will ultimately benefit her children. Freakishly clever in so many senses.

