Celebrities Face Mixed Success in Trademarking Iconic Catchphrases
NEW YORK, NY — In an era where branding is everything, celebrities are increasingly turning to the United States Patent and Trademark Office to protect their most memorable catchphrases. However, not all attempts to secure ownership over these cultural touchstones have been successful.
Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey has taken a unique approach by trademarking his famous “alright, alright, alright” line, not just for merchandising but specifically to prevent unauthorized use by artificial intelligence platforms. This move highlights the evolving challenges celebrities face in the digital age, where voice and image can be replicated without consent. The USPTO records confirm his official registration, underscoring the growing intersection between entertainment and intellectual property law.
Pop icon Taylor Swift has been particularly strategic, securing trademarks for multiple phrases tied to her music and public persona. Notably, “The old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now” was trademarked around the launch of her 2017 “Reputation” album, allowing her to control merchandise and branding opportunities. Swift’s savvy extends to other lyrics such as “Nice to meet you, where you been?” and “This Sick Beat,” all of which have been registered for various commercial uses. Her efforts exemplify how artists are leveraging trademark law to protect their creative assets.
Paris Hilton, a pioneer in celebrity catchphrase trademarking, successfully registered “That’s hot,” a phrase that became synonymous with her early 2000s reality TV fame. Hilton’s assertiveness in protecting her brand was evident when she sued Hallmark in 2007 for unauthorized use of the phrase and won, setting a precedent for celebrity rights over catchphrases. She also trademarked “Sliving,” a blend of “slaying” and “living,” which she coined as a lifestyle mantra.
Not all celebrities have found success. Cardi B’s attempt to trademark “Okurrr” was denied by the USPTO, which ruled the phrase was too widely used to qualify for exclusive rights. Similarly, Kylie Jenner’s bid to trademark “Rise and shine,” popularized during a viral moment on “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” was abandoned after being deemed too common. These cases illustrate the challenges of trademarking phrases that have permeated everyday language.
Sports figures have also joined the fray. Tim Tebow trademarked “Tebowing,” a term inspired by his signature prayer pose during football games. The phrase quickly became an internet sensation and was protected for use on merchandise and promotions.
Michael Buffer, the legendary boxing announcer, turned his 1980s catchphrase “Let’s get ready to rumble!” into a lucrative trademark in 1992. The phrase has since generated substantial revenue through licensing deals in movies, advertisements, and video games, demonstrating the commercial power of a well-timed line.
Interestingly, former President Donald Trump’s famous “You’re fired” catchphrase from his reality TV show was not trademarked, despite its widespread recognition.
The trend of celebrities trademarking catchphrases reflects a broader cultural and legal shift. As intellectual property law adapts to new media and technologies, stars are increasingly vigilant about safeguarding their personal brands. The USPTO’s trademark database offers a window into this evolving landscape, where the line between public domain and protected content is continually negotiated.
For those interested in the legal intricacies of trademarking phrases and celebrity intellectual property rights, resources such as the U.S. Copyright Office and the Legal Information Institute provide comprehensive guidance.
As pop culture continues to influence language and commerce, the battle over catchphrases is unlikely to fade. Celebrities will keep seeking to turn their signature sayings into protected assets, navigating the complex balance between cultural ubiquity and exclusive ownership.
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