In a high-stakes courtroom clash, former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against TMZ, accusing the media powerhouse of illegally profiting from his famous catchphrase, “Getcha Popcorn Ready.” The lawsuit, filed in Illinois state court on Tuesday, claims that TMZ used the phrase to drive web traffic, boost advertising revenue, and evoke anticipation in football-related coverage—all at Owens’ expense.
A Battle Over Intellectual Property
Owens, a Hall of Fame inductee who made his mark with teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys, asserts that TMZ’s repeated use of his phrase constitutes unauthorized commercial exploitation. His 12-page complaint argues that the publication deliberately incorporated the slogan into headlines and articles discussing NFL games, athletes, and commentary, thereby benefiting from his brand without permission or compensation.
A Trademark Years in the Making
According to Owens, he has carefully cultivated his brand throughout his illustrious football career and post-NFL ventures. Recognized universally as “T.O.”, Owens registered the trademark for “Getcha Popcorn Ready” in 2011, leveraging it for commercial products, television appearances, and brand endorsements. The phrase has become an integral part of his identity, appearing on merchandise and promotional content nationwide.
TMZ’s Alleged Misuse of Owens’ Brand
Owens alleges that TMZ’s frequent and prominent use of his catchphrase is far from coincidental. The suit emphasizes that the media outlet strategically employs the phrase as a tagline at the end of multiple NFL-related articles, reinforcing anticipation and drama surrounding football coverage.
