Shaquille O’Neal is next up to enter into the metaverse.
The basketball legend’s entry is under Authentic Brands, his brand’s management firm. On Dec.22, three trademark applications were placed for “SHAQ,” according to Gerben Intellectual Property trademark attorney Josh Gerben.
The Trademark Applications
Gerben announced that the trademark applications were filed for the selling of “virtual goods.”
Shaq is headed to the metaverse.
Per trademark applications filed on December 22nd, @SHAQ intends to begin selling "virtual goods" such as SHAQ-branded clothing, sports equipment, and toys.
The filings were made by @AuthenticBrands.#Shaq #Metaverse pic.twitter.com/szK8XO9Ia9
— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) December 28, 2021
Shaq's Virtual Goods
O’Neal is known for doing everything big and the news of “SHAQ” heading into the metaverse is no different.
According to the trademark document, the brand plans to offer “downloadable virtual goods” such as clothing, sporting goods, toys, footwear, headwear, backpacks, and more. The brand also aims to elevate its presence in the digital space with its own online marketplace, which will feature artwork, text, audio, and video authenticated by non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Apart from entering into the metaverse, the three filings included one for entertainment services that provide the option of non-downloadable items along with a curated website.
The Empire Continues
O’Neal’s reigning stature in the game as one of the wealthiest Black athletes is tied to his elite business decisions, as previously reported by AfroTech.
The professional athlete turned businessman owns brands like Playboy, Forever 21, Elvis Presley, Auntie Anne’s, and more.
“My real business is I own 50 brands,” he told Atlanta Black Star. “So, when I was retiring, I’m looking around, I’m like ‘How does Michael Jackson and all these guys live forever?’ So, one of the chapters in the book, joint venture-ship. So, I called the three companies [seemingly Authentic brand group, Simon property group, and Brookfield property partners] that helped people live forever, and they bought my brand for a lot of money. So, I took half that money, put it back in the company, now I’m the number two guy in the company.”
With his new venture into the metaverse, it’s clear that O’Neal isn’t letting his foot off the gas any time soon when it comes to his business endeavors.
