Johnny Football files trademark application for "Johnny Cleveland"

Although Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel may not lead the NFL in passing yards at the end of this season, he will likely lead the league in trademark applications. A few weeks prior to the start of the 2014 season, Manziel's company, JMAN2 Enterprises, LLC, filed its 10th trademark application, this time for "Johnny Cleveland". Other applications include "JFF", "JMAN", "ManzIIiel", and the one that started it all, "Johnny Football". But Manziel isn't the only one trying to trademark "Johnny Cleveland". JMAN2's application comes months after two individuals filed for the mark and were rejected—an application seeking to trademark a living individual requires written consent of the individual. Other applications filed by fans include the marks "Johnny Be Good", "Johnny Browns", and "Money Manziel", which were all preliminarily denied for similar reasons. One individual's mark, however, made it through registration: "Juanito Fútbol". So if Johnny Cleveland ever decides to put down the football and step onto the pitch (in Spain?), a trademark dispute may ensue.

Manziel is no stranger to trademark disputes. Earlier this year JMAN2 reached a resolution with Kenneth R. Reynolds Family investments whereby the unrelated investment company agreed to assign its rights to the "Johnny Football" mark to JMAN2. Manziel has since entered into an endorsement agreement with Nike, which has used the mark on t-shirts. Manziel is also battling with former confidant Nate Fitch over the mark "The House that Johnny Built", which refers to the recent redevelopment of Texas A&M's Kyle Field.

Despite Manziel being the number 2 (as well as #2) quarterback for the Browns—who are returning from an uninspiring 4-12 season—he has the best-selling jersey on the NFL's official store, NFLShop.com. In other words, Johnny Football has good reason to protect his brand.

Source: http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/story/johnny-cleveland-manziel-trademark-browns-football-nfl-090414

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