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LeBron James has really placed his stake in the metaverse! Boardroom reports that the Lakers superstar has officially filed five new trademarks, which could signal that his plans to immerse his brand into the metaverse are on the horizon. Per the reports, all filings were listed with the help of Troutman Pepper law firm’s Howard Shire and confirm that James is indeed looking to secure trademarks for various downloadable digital assets, including non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
LeBron James seems to be shooting for the metaverse. Laker’s Daily reports that the NBA superstar has filed four different trademarks, indicating his interest in the space. The move indicates that he will use his name and likeness for various non-fungible tokens (NFTs), tokens, and collectibles within the Web3 scope. Here’s how James is well on his way to building a long legacy outside of his sports endeavors.
In recent months, there has been a lineup of reports of both budding and former athletes filing trademarks to enter into the metaverse. Earlier this month, AfroTech reported Bronny James, Lebron James’ son, filed three trademarks that are allegedly for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), gaming, and fashion. Now, Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is next up in line looking to score in the metaverse. On Feb. 15, MB1 Enterprises — the All-Star player’s company — filed three trademark applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office, according to Boardroom.
Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is set out to carve out his own lane not only on the court but now in the world of crypto. The digital space has been one of the latest trends — especially non-fungible tokens (NFTs) — and the 17-year-old is on his way to tap in. Boardroom reports that James has filed three trademarks focused on NFTs, gaming, and fashion with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Click here to learn more about NFTs at Afrotech Executive.
Reports this week shared that Kobe Bryant’s estate has parted ways with Nike, and it looks as though it may have a plan in motion to start its own brand. According to Complex, the estate’s Nike deal expired last week and a new contract has not been signed, seemingly ending the years-long relationship between the two. Bryant — who first signed with Nike back in 2003 — secured a five-year deal in April of 2016 that lasted through last Tuesday. The outlet reported the following statement from Nike: “Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers. He pushed us and made everyone around him better. Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family.” CNBC reports that according to intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben, a recent analysis of the legal filings on behalf of Bryant’s estate show that over 13 trademarks have been filed since May of last year. The filings are leading to speculation that wife, Vanessa...
There were great sacrifices that Fawn and Keith Weaver made to ensure that the Uncle Nearest whiskey brand would not fail. Today, Uncle Nearest is recognized as a force within the spirits industry, reflecting the resilience of Fawn, whose story is one of overcoming adversity with triumph. She dropped out of school in 10th grade, bounced between homeless shelters, and attempted to take her life twice. She viewed her struggles as affirmation of a higher calling — one that has materialized into an award-winning whiskey brand that has topped a billion-dollar valuation and is the fastest-growing American whiskey in history, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. The inception of Uncle Nearest resulted from relentless research Fawn conducted in Lynchburg, TN, to uncover the story of Nathan “Nearest” Green. Enslaved at the time, Green was responsible for teaching Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel how to make whiskey using the technique known as “sugar maple charcoal filtering.” Some call this the...
It’s been almost 12 years since the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting took the lives of 26 people (20 of them children) in Newton, Connecticut. While Alex Jones, a well-known right-wing commentator and owner of Infowars, has since taken back his comments about the incident being a hoax , he still owes the families of the victims over $1 billion in personal damages after they took legal action against him for emotional distress and defamation. Despite the controversy surrounding his name , “ Jones and other right-wing commentators once on the fringe have catapulted in popularity as many people have moved away from traditional news sources,” the Associated Press notes. Thanks to those who still support him, the 50-year-old has made millions from his radio and internet shows, plus the sale of nutritional supplements, survival gear, clothing and other merchandise, keeping him afloat in tense times. Two years after filing for bankruptcy, Jones stands to lose the company he’s...
A trademark has placed Pharrell Williams in legal drama. In April 2024, Pink, also known as Alecia Moore, sued Williams for trademarking “P.Inc” for his music-focused promotional marketing services, Rolling Stone reports. The pop singer’s lawyers are requesting for the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to not authorize his trademark as they claim that it resembles the “PINK” trademark, which court documents show she applied for in 1999 and registered in 2001. Pink’s lawyers also claim that Williams’ trademark has the potential to damage her business and create confusion for her fans as they both operate in the music industry. “[Williams’] P.INC Mark is similar to the PINK Marks in sight, sound, meaning and commercial impression,” the filing wrote, according to Rolling Stone. “[Williams’] and [Pink’s] goods and services are identical and/or closely related. … [Williams] is likely to market and promote its goods through the same channels of trade...
Entrepreneurship is often romanticized, but it is no easy journey. Beyond simply creating an idea that seems unique enough to launch, it is not cheap to be your own boss. Starting a business has several fixed costs that can quickly add up, such as legally forming a company, paying for legal protections like patents or trademarks, and, of course, marketing and promoting your business. This is where bringing in outside investors can be a smart move. Investors not only represent a cash infusion , but if founders are wise, these people can also help market, promote, and grow a business. However, finding people who are not only willing to invest in a young company but also have enough resources to support a fledgling firm can be difficult. So, where is a startup to start with finding investors? Create A Business Plan Serious investors are not interested in blindly investing in a business — even if they are relatives and friends (who are usually the initial seed investors for any...
Agreeing to terms can be a daunting task. Many things can affect what new terms on any deal could mean. From updated family life to continued desire, how a person chooses to navigate their future is never a one-size-fits-all solution. After declining a contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens, NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson is in this space of figuring out what’s next, according to ESPN.
A first-of-its-kind partnership is set to open the door for a group of HBCU student-athletes. According to a press release, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has become the first HBCU to partner with The Brandr Group (TBG) — a brand management, marketing, and licensing agency — for its group licensing program. The recently launched partnership is set to create “ new opportunities for NCCU student-athletes in all 15 sports who want to use their name, image, and likeness (NIL) together with the university’s official trademarks and logos,” the press release discloses. “We are thrilled to welcome NCCU to our family as our first HBCU partner, and we look forward to working together to support Eagles student-athletes through this new agreement, “said Rick Perko, Vice President of Program Development at TBG. “There are several companies and individuals who are interested in making a difference with student athletes at HBCUs and group licensing will allow them to have the greatest...
Jay-Z once said, “Nobody wins when the family feuds.” And there may be some dissension in the O’Neal camp. Based on a Notice of Opposition from Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the company that represents Shaquille O’Neal’s likeness, wants to put an end to the pending trademark application filed by his son, Shaqir O’Neal. But is this really beef between father and son? Of course not. Based on information from attorney Josh Gerben, the root of the issues appears to be between the two teams that represent the separate O’Neal men. Well, this is awkward. The company that owns Shaq’s trademarks (Authentic Brands Group) has opposed his son’s trademark filing for “SHAQIR O’NEAL.” How on earth did this happen? #Shaq #Trademarks A thread 🧵 [1/8] pic.twitter.com/eAZyf5SRiU — Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) July 19, 2022