18 Stars Who've Attempted to Trademark Catchphrases

Ryan Lochte is far from the first...
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 20, 2012 1:21 PM CDT
18 Stars Who've Attempted to Trademark Catchphrases
Ryan Lochte gestures after receiving his silver medal for the men's 200-meter individual medley swimming final during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Ryan Lochte is trying to trademark his catchphrase, "Jeah!"—but he may have some problems, because TMZ reports that '90s rapper MC Eiht claims he's been using the word since 1988, and plans to send the Olympic swimmer a cease and desist letter. Maybe Lochte can get some advice from these 17 other celebrities, all of whom at least attempted to snag trademarks. From Celebuzz and The Frisky:

  • Beyonce and Jay-Z: They want to trademark "Blue Ivy Carter NYC" so they can sell a line of baby products bearing their daughter's name. How sweet.
  • Paris Hilton: Upset when Hallmark used her catchphrase "That's hot!" in a greeting card, Hilton was able to get it trademarked. Then she got tired of it and tried using "That's huge!", but for some reason that one never quite caught on.

  • Charlie Sheen: He tried to trademark all 22 of his catchphrases, including, of course, "Duh, winning."
  • Jeremy Lin: The NBA star tried to trademark "Linsanity," but three entrepreneurs had already applied for the same thing.
  • Donald Trump: He was turned down from trademarking "You're fired!" because it sounded too much like a board game called "You're Hired."
Click for the full list from The Frisky, which includes a current battle over the phrase "Yuuup!" Or check out Celebuzz's list, which includes a bunch of sports figures and even more Jersey Shore stars. (More Ryan Lochte stories.)

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