As a man of few words, Marshawn Lynch continues to collect and profit off of his unwillingness to engage with the media. On Super Bowl XLIX’s media day, the Seattle Seahawks running back repeatedly responded to reporters’ questions with “I’m just here so I don’t get fined.” The phrase went viral. Even Katy Perry, Super Bowl XLIX’s halftime performer, famously repeated it at her press conference prior to the big game. Shortly thereafter, Lynch filed an application to trademark the now iconic remark. Although it could take over a year for the trademark application to be processed, Lynch’s apparel brand, “Beast Mode,” is cashing-in on the popular quip. Fans have already purchased thousands of hats, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and other merchandise sold on Lynch’s website that bear the statement.
As reported by espn.com, this is not the first time media-shy Lynch has filed a trademark for one of his “unconventional” interview responses. Last year, he was awarded the trademark for “I’m just about that action boss”–the retort Lynch gave Deion Sanders after he questioned Lynch about his camera shy nature. Additionally, Lynch currently owns four “Beast Mode” trademarks with many more making their way through the USPTO.
Loren Shokes is an Entertainment Highlight Contributor for the Harvard Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law and a current first year student at Harvard Law School (Class of 2017).
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