After LeBron James' company files trademark for "Shut Up And Dribble", we look at 5 other trademarks held by 'The King' including "I Promise", "Just A Kid From Akron", and more
LeBron James is amongst the most successful athletes in the business world. He is only the second NBA star to become a billionaire, after Michael 'Air' Jordan in 2014.
James has various business ventures. He co-owns a production house, has invested in a tequila brand and a sports company that owns various professional teams. His shoe deal with Nike, along with various other endorsements, have proved to be lucrative.
James' acute understanding isn't limited to the basketball court. He has registered trademarks that enhance product marketing and also help develop his ventures.
A recent report from USA Today stated that James' company, Uninterrupted Inc., filed a trademark for the phrase "Shut Up and Dribble."
The phrase was used by Fox News host Laura Ingraham in 2018 as a condescending response to James' comments on political matters in the United States.
James has tried to register dozens of trademarks over the years. He has done that through his own company LBJ Trademarks. The majority of them await official registration.
His portfolio consists of several trademarks related to the "I Promise" program, supported by the LeBron James Family Foundation.
Here's a look at the top five registered trademarks by James (source: Gerben Law, Open Corporate).
#5 "All Things Zhuri"
James' youngest child, Zhuri James, was already a YouTube sensation by age five. Her account is named "All Things Zhuri." She posts videos with her parents, LeBron and Savannah James. She shares her daily routines through vlogs and has 206,000 subscribers on her channel already.
As per Open Corporates, LBJ Trademarks, LLC., filed a trademark for "All Things Zhuri" back in 2020. It got registered on December 15, 2020.
#4 "Irish 23 Forever"
James was a basketball sensation from a very young age. He dominated high-school basketball while playing for the varsity team, 'The Fighting Irish.' They recorded an undefeated season (27-0) to win the Division III state title.
James wore the #23 jersey while playing for 'The Fighting Irish.' According to Open Corporates, he filed a trademark for the phrase "Irish 23 Forever" in 2013. It got registered on September 22, 2015.
#3 "Just A Kid From Akron"
James has always been proud of his roots. He was born and raised in Akron, Ohio.
James often uses the hashtag #justakidfromakron in his social media posts. He filed a trademark to use the phrase for items of clothing such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hooded sweatshirts on December 16, 2014. According to Open Coroprates, it was registered on February 13, 2018.
#2 "I Promise"
LeBron has always looked out for his community in Akron, Ohio. He founded the "I Promise" School, a public school supported by the LeBron James Foundation, in July 2018.
According to Gerben Law, James filed a trademark for the phrases "I Promise" and "I Promise School" between 2017 and 2020. Both were registered during the same period.
#1 "LeBron James Family Foundation"
James' foundation is a critical tool for most of his work in the community. The foundation supports his "I Promise School" program and also looks after the educational needs of kids in Akron, Ohio.
As per Gerban Law, James filed a trademark for the "LeBron James Family Foundation" in 2012. It got approved and registered on May 27, 2014. The trademark is used for various goods and services, mainly charitable activities.