Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch filed a trademark last week for the phrase he used to avoid a fine from the NFL during media coverage.
During Super Bowl media day, Lynch answered every question with the phrase, "I'm just here so I don't get fined."
Lynch was previously fined $100,000 last year for refusing to talk to the media. He is known to repeat phrases during press conferences such as "thanks for asking" and "I'm just about that action, boss," which is also trademarked. He currently sells items with the now popular phrase on his website. He also trademarked "Beast Mode," a popular phrase among those who go to the gym, back in 2008, also selling merchandise like T-shirts with the phrase.
While Lynch is running right to the bank, cashing in on these popular sayings, he isn't the only one. Here are some other celebrity trademarks you may not have known about.
Boxing catchphrase: Michael Buffer
"Let's get ready to rumble" is one of the most famous words spoken before any big fight. The phrase was trademarked by boxing announcer Michael Buffer in 1992. He's had sole ownership of the catchphrase, making over $400 million for selling the rights for personal appearances, video games and music.
"Shake It Off" lyrics: Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift proved she is more than just a country singer when she released the catchy pop hit "Shake It Off." Swift is also business savvy because she decided to trademark the phrase "this sick beat," which is featured as lyrics in the song. That means people cannot sell merchandise with the phrase on it. Beyoncé should take note of this, since her lawyers threatened a lawsuit for those selling "Feyoncé" mugs on Etsy.
Tebowing: Tim Tebow
Lynch is not the only NFL player to have a trademark. Tim Tebow trademarked his famous stance, known as "tebowing." The religious player used this popular stance to pray, and says that if he makes money off the phrase he would donate the money to charity.
"That's hot": Paris Hilton
It was the phrase we couldn't escape from. It seemed like every other sentence that left Paris Hilton's mouth during her time in the spotlight as a reality star was "that's hot." Apparently the phrase was hot enough to use to sell Hilton merchandise. Hilton filed an application for the popular catchphrase back in 2006. However, it only applies to clothing and alcohol.
Bam!: Emeril Lagasse
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse captivated us foodies with his delicious recipes loaded with flavor. While this personality sizzled on camera, it was his catchphrase which was always the icing on top of the cake. Lagasse trademarked "Bam," and uses it to sell merchandise that includes everything from cookbooks to clothing.
"Jeah": Ryan Lochte
This one is probably the, uh, most unique trademark on the list. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte filed a trademark application for the phrase "Jeah." He plans to use it to sell items that include swimglasses, jewelry and socks. What does the phrase mean? "It means, like, almost, like, everything. Like happy. Like, if you have a good swim, you say, 'Jeah.' Like, it's good. So, I guess... it means good," Lochte said
50 Cent: Curtis Jackson
Leave it to 50 Cent to cash in on money itself. The rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, has a trademark for "50 Cent," which includes everything from its use in clothing to records. He sued Taco Bell in 2008 for using 78, 89, and 99 cent menus in their commercials, claiming it is an infringement of his trademark.
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[PHOTO CREDIT: M I K E M O R R I S | Flickr]
