San Diego-based Novatel Wireless, which makes wireless broadband cards and the MiFi line of portable Wi-Fi hotspots, announced today that it has officially registered MiFi as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. The firm's MiFi device takes a call phone connection and creates a personal hotspot for up to five WiFi devices. The firm said the move will help it "protect the brand identity" of the firm and its MiFi line.