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.

“TMZ’s use of the phrase ‘Getcha Popcorn Ready’ is not incidental or descriptive,” the complaint states. “It is a calculated move to exploit Owens’ trademark and capitalize on the brand value he has built.”

The lawsuit further argues that TMZ never sought permission to use the phrase in any commercial capacity, despite its significant brand recognition. Owens contends that this misappropriation misleads the public, potentially creating confusion regarding his association or endorsement of TMZ’s football content.

Legal Claims and Damages

Owens' lawsuit levels multiple claims against TMZ, including:

• Trademark infringement under common law
• Trademark dilution under Illinois law
• Violation of his right of publicity
• Unjust enrichment

The former NFL star seeks a court order barring TMZ from further using his trademarked phrase and monetary damages, including punitive compensation and attorney fees.

Owens’ Attorney Speaks Out

Amir R. Tahmassebi of Konicek & Dillon PC, representing Owens, emphasized the significance of protecting his client’s brand:

“Terrell has spent his career building a world-renowned likeness and image, and it needs to be protected. That’s the reason for this suit.”

Not Owens’ First Legal Battle Over His Brand

This is not Owens’ first attempt to defend his intellectual property. In December 2020, he sued sports apparel company 500 Level for allegedly selling unauthorized merchandise featuring his name and likeness on platforms like Amazon.

TMZ Yet to Respond

TMZ representatives have yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit, and legal counsel for the media outlet remains undisclosed.

With the legal battle just beginning, this case could set a precedent for media outlets profiting from celebrity trademarks—and Owens is determined to ensure that his brand remains exclusively his own.