USA Today is reporting the newest chapter in the ‘Kaepernicking’ phenomena sweeping the nation.
When news first broke that blazing hot 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick would trademark the term ‘Kaepernicking’ one could’ve easily assumed he was just trying to make a few bucks. But Colin has come out to refute any such assumptions. Kaepernick stated the following:
“Camp Taylor is a foundation that I’m connected with right now, and anything I can do to help them and help those kids is something I want to do,”
According to Vanessa Backman, the intellectual property counsel at The Consul Group (a law firm based out of Portland Oregon)
“A lot of players have foundations under their name or affiliated with their name,”
“And a lot aren’t taking money for themselves, but to prevent misuse of their name.”
Athletes branding catchphrases and nicknames certainly is nothing new, but there did at first seem to be something a bit comical at the term ‘Kaepernicking’ now being fully in Colin Kaepernick’s possession.
But at the same time, it’s smart for athletes to see that they are more than just gladiators on the field in a children’s game, they are a brand as well. When the game is a wrap and they hang up their jerseys, the brand will continue to be their bread and butter, so why not capitalize while the moment’s hot?
Plus, there’s charity involved, hands off to Colin.
