NFL Star Revis Finally Gets Trademark for “Revis Island”
California – Tampa Bay Buccaneer cornerback Darrelle Revis was granted trademark protection over the phrase “Revis Island” last month, according to documents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Revis originally filed the application for “t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, footwear, sleepwear, swimwear” in January 2010. The application process was long and attenuated, as Revis went back and forth with the USPTO filing four extensions of time to file a Statement of Use before finally being granted protection on September 24th.
The former New York Jets player earned the nickname “Revis Island” during his time in New York, where he became known for his ability to shut out opponents, isolating them and rendering them unable to catch a pass. His one-on-one coverage of some of the best receivers in the NFL has prompted countless comments that they have taken a “trip to Revis Island.” This impressive play earned him the Jets franchise record for most career passes defended. He has also been selected to play in the Pro-Bowl four times.
Now that the “Revis Island” trademark has registered, Revis is free to expand upon his success by selling merchandise under the name he worked (and played) hard to create. Indeed, this appears to be just another step in Revis’ building of his brand as he already has a Nike shoe named after him, the Zoom Revis, which sells for $130 a pair. While there is no official word on what exactly he plans to sell under the new brand, Revis’ broad fan base surely provides a ready market for “Revis Island” apparel and merchandise.
Revis’ registration marks one in a long chain of famous athletes and celebrities seeking trademark protection over their coined nicknames and phrases. Among a growing list, the Houston Rockets’ Jeremy Lin trademarked “Linsanity,” Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte field for protection for his catchphrase “Jeah” and Chad Johnson filed an application for an “Ochocinco” logo. Beyond athletes, celebrity music couple Jay Z and Beyonce recently made headlines by taking things a step further and filing for trademark protection of their daughter’s name “Blue Ivy” the same month that she was born.