Top 5 Celebrity Quotes that Are
(Or Tried to Be) Trademarked

You would be surprised at the things that people try to trademark these days. Not surprisingly, celebrities are starting to trademark some of their famous quotes and catchphrases. While that sounds like more crazy celebrity antics, it's actually a very good business practice. If your company has a catchy phrase or slogan that helps people remember your product, it's always a good idea to trademark it. As an example, we've put together the top 5 trademarked celebrity quotes and how those celebrities are using them to help their business:

5. Paris Hilton: "That's hot." As overused as it may be, Paris Hilton's catchphrase "That's hot" still brings in the dough at the end of the day. Paris had the phrase trademarked for entertainment services and alcoholic beverages, and has even won an infringement case against Hallmark for using the phrase.

4. Jeremy Lin: "Linsanity" At the time, it seemed like Linsanity was going to go on forever. Sadly, it stopped abruptly. But as short-lived as the craze was, Jeremy Lin still applied to have the term trademarked soon after it started. Sadly, he wasn't quick enough. Three other stealthy entrepreneurs decided to apply for trademarking before Lin got his application in. A lesson that you should always file trademark paperwork as soon as possible.

3. Charlie Sheen: "Duh, winning." Sheen is in the middle of registering many of his most popular phrases, including "Duh, winning." He plans to use the trademarked phrase to cover a wide variety of goods and services, which we're sure will start with "Duh, winning" t-shirts.

2. Donald Trump: "You're fired." Donald Trump is a well-known tycoon, so of course he tried to take advantage of his own catchphrase. Sadly, his application to trademark the catchphrase from his TV show "The Apprentice" was denied, but you can't blame The Donald for trying.

1. Michael Buffer: "Let's get ready to rumble!" Everyone knows this quote, but did you know it is trademarked? Michael Buffer, whose only claim to fame is being a boxing ring announcer, was smart enough to trademark his catchy saying. Now the quote is more famous than he is, and he has marketing deals with major companies like Kraft. Turns out that a trademarked quote can be more lucrative than your day job.

The moral of the story? Always try to trademark any phrase or quote that might be tied to your business. You never know when it might pay off, and you don't want to be second in line with your trademark application. Just ask Jeremy Lin.

If you want an easier way to file a trademark application, try online legal services. They are cheaper than a lawyer and more helpful than trying to do it yourself. Check out our full reviews of all the top online legal services to pick one that works for you.

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