Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-27-2012
Abstract
On February 13, 2012, New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin, whose recent success has spawned a plethora of Lin-based catchphrases, filed a federal trademark application for the term “Linsanity.” Lin filed his application under section 1(b) of the Lanham Act, based on an intent to use the mark on such things as backpacks, clothing, and toys. However, two individuals had already filed applications for the same term. Yenchin Chang filed an application on February 7, also based on an intent to use the mark on apparel, and Andrew Slayton filed an application on February 9 under section 1(a) of the Lanham Act, claiming that he first used “Linsanity” on July 17, 2010, with a first use in commerce on February 8, 2012. At least five other applications have been filed after Lin’s.
This post was originally published on the Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal website on February 27, 2012. The original post can be accessed via the Archived Link button above.
Recommended Citation
Gorman, Danielle, "Is Trademark Protection for Surname Catchphrases Linsane?" (2012). AELJ Blog. 2.
https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/aelj-blog/2
