Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott applies for trademarks involving nicknames
Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott recently applied for five trademarks involving his nicknames, according to the Associated Press.
Based on records in the United States Patent and Trademark Office database, Elliott filed trademark requests Aug. 7 to use his nicknames “Zeke” and “Eze” on merchandise, the sayings “Hero in a half shirt” and “In crop top we trust” on apparel, as well as “Zeke's Crop Top Bar and Grill” for a restaurant name.
Both the Buckeyes' junior and his father were unavailable for comment on the topic, according to the AP.
Elliott is not the first college player to explore trademarking. Last fall, Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott applied for a trademark on his name, as well as the phrases “Dak Attack” and “Who Dak.”
Heisman Trophy winners Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston also pursued trademarking rights during their college football days.
Manziel trademarked “Johnny Football” in 2013, amid legal issues with a company that was selling T-shirts with the nickname on them.
The NCAA forbids current student-athletes from making money off their names and likenesses.
- Kayla Lombardo
