Associated Press 0 Shares Print Like their counterparts in the pros, more college football stars are starting to snatch up trademark rights to their names, nicknames and fan slogans. The NCAA generally forbids its players from cashing in on their athletic success, but by gaining legal ownership of phrases tied to their personal brands, players can pave the way for lucrative licensing deals in the future and can prevent others from exploiting their names. This month, Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott applied for trademarks to use his nicknames Zeke and Eze on merchandise, according to records in a public database kept by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Elliott also filed for a trademark on the restaurant name “Zeke’s Crop Top Bar and Grill,” a nod to the junior’s preference to roll his jersey up like a crop top. Elliott was unavailable for comment, and his father declined to explain the trademarks. Ezekiel Elliott has applied for trademarks to use his nicknames “Zeke” and “Eze” on merchandise, according to records in a public database kept by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Greg Bartram/Greg Bartram-USA TODAY SportsAt Mississippi State, quarterback Dak Prescott applied for the trademark on his name last fall, along with “Dak Attack” and “Who Dak,” phrases that fans have waved aloft on game-day signs. Others to pursue trademarks while in college include NFL quarterbacks Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston, both Heisman Trophy winners. Before transferring to TCU, quarterback Kenny Hill’s family sought a trademark on “Kenny Trill” but later abandoned the application. In professional sports, athletes routinely snag trademarks for their nicknames and taglines, and then companies pay hefty sums to use their monikers on merchandise. Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks, for example, owns rights to “Beast Mode.” Charlotte Hornets point guard Jeremy Lin has “Linsanity.” The company that represents Tim Tebow of the Philadelphia Eagles owns the trademark to “Tebowing.” As the practice has become more common in the pros, some universities and lawyers are encouraging college athletes to follow suit. …
Continue Reading: Ezekiel Elliott latest college athlete to look to future, apply for trademarks
