Colin Kaepernick Attempts To Trademark His Face
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has filed for the trademark to an image of his face and hair through his company, Inked Flash.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Darren Rovell, who shared the black-and-white image of Kaepernick on Twitter.
JUST IN: @Kaepernick7 applies for a trademark to an image of himself, intends to use to merchandize and to connect it with self-empowerment & education https://t.co/QMfJshzz89 pic.twitter.com/lwzWZdMZwI
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 10, 2018
The trademark filing occurred last week, and it showed up on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Wednesday. According to the filing application, Kaepernick is considering using the image on everything from candles and shampoo to jewelry and backpacks.
The filing also says it could be used with “providing classes, workshops, seminars and camps in the field of self empowerment and awareness to properly interact with law enforcement.”
Additionally, the image could be used for the “production of television shows and films,” according to the filing.
Even though Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016, his name has still appeared in several headlines in recent weeks.
This past Sunday he tweeted his support for former 49ers teammate, Eric Reid, who made his debut with the Carolina Panthers.
Reid was the first player to join Kaepernick in taking a knee during the national anthem in 2016. The safety became a free agent following the 2017 season and signed with the Panthers in September. In his first game with Carolina, Reid was the only Panthers player who knelt in protest during the anthem.
My Brother @E_Reid35, with @KSTiLLS and @iThinkIsee12, continue to take a knee against systemic oppression. They are unwavering in their conviction! #ImWithReid pic.twitter.com/NP7h6aQHUH
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) October 7, 2018
Kaepernick is also the face of Nike’s 30th anniversary of the “Just Do It” ad campaign. Trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Law told Rovell the timing of Kaepernick’s trademark application allows him to capitalize on Nike’s promotion.
“I think it’s very smart,” Gerben said of Kaepernick’s filing. “Nike made him relevant. Now he can monetize that and promote his movement more.”
On Thursday, Kaepernick will appear at Harvard University to receive the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, the school’s highest honor in the field of African and African American studies.
He also will speak at the award ceremony, but Harvard said that “due to current ongoing litigation of Mr. Kaepernick, no press photography or video livestream will be allowed of his remarks.”
The collusion case that Kaepernick filed against the NFL will go to trial after an arbitrator refused the league’s request for a summary judgment.
No date has been set yet for the trial, but it could start as early as during this current NFL season.
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