Marshawn Lynch doesn’t say much to the media, so when he does talk, he figures it should be trademarked.
The Seattle Seahawks running back showed his contempt for being forced to meet the press during Super Bowl week by responding to any question with, “I’m just here so I won’t get fined.”
Being that it happened during the build-up to the Super Bowl, the phrase gained a good bit of currency. (Didn’t somebody say it to you in the office break room?) So Lynch is trying to make sure he gains some currency from use of the phrase, applying for a trademark with the US Patent and Trademark Office, the Seattle Times reports.
That would put Lynch in charge of use of “I’m just here so I won’t get fined” on any apparel, such as caps, hoodies and T-shirts.
Should he receive the trademark, Lynch would have three for his marketing purposes, along with “Beast Mode” and “About That Action Boss.” (The latter refers to another Lynch-ian interaction with the media, in which he spoke about not liking to do interviews by saying, “I’m just about that action, boss.”). Fans can buy stuff with the words and a “Beast” logo on Lynch’s website.
Use those without Lynch’s permission and you just might get fined.