Jeremy Lin files to trademark ‘Linsanity’ catchphrase

Jeremy Lin AFP FILE PHOTO

NEW YORK—New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin has filed to trademark the term “Linsanity” with the US Patent and Trademark Office, a move that would give the rising NBA star sole rights to use the term on products.

According to the trademark regulators’ website, Lin filed his application to trademark the term on February 13, about 10 days after he burst into the spotlight as an unlikely benchwarmer turned hero for the Knicks.

Lin, whose parents are from Taiwan, was cut by two NBA clubs but given a chance to play when two Knicks starters were sidelined. Lin produced the most points and assists of any NBA player in their first 10 starts since 1976.

His high-scoring games, last-second heroics and precise passing helped the Knicks win seven games in a row upon his arrival, sparking a phenomenon dubbed “Linsanity” by New York media that turned into a global following for Lin.

Lin’s application is only one of seven that have been submitted to the US trademark office and indicates his interest in using the phrase on balls, toys, action figures, shirts and other clothing, shoes, caps, water bottles and bags.

While Lin is not the lone applicant, his efforts and fame have given the phrase its marketing value and thereby figure to make him the winner of the term.

Merchandise of Lin has become popular worldwide, including game-worn shoes and uniforms and trading cards. Tickets to Knicks games have leaped by more than 120 percent in resale markets, courtside seats going for thousands of dollars.

The NBA owns trademarks on Knicks items, such as a Knicks No. 17 jersey with Lin’s name on the back.

Lin went undrafted by the NBA after playing basketball at Harvard University, where he earned a degree in economics.