Main | Monday, October 22, 2012

Tebowing Has Been Trademarked

Tim Tebow has received a federal trademark for "tebowing," the act of dropping to one knee for a brief prayer. Even the wingnut Moonie Times is taking a dim view:
Apparently the trademark is not solely on the term to Tebow, but on the pose as well. You don’t have to call it “Tebowing” to be subject to Tim’s approval. Drop to one knee with your fist to your forehead, and if Tebow does not approve of the context, you will pay. No one believes Tim Tebow is going to spend his days checking the media to be sure the world is respecting his trademark property. But in the sticky muck that is the “separation of church and state,” the Tebow trademark may set a slippery precedent. If Tebow can trademark the pose of praying with his fist on his forehead, can the Catholic church trademark the “praying hands” pose? If Muslims trademark the traditional poses that coincide with their daily prayer obligations, the yoga instructor at your local gym may be in trouble. Is the term “Buddha belly” indicative of religious affiliation or beer consumption?
It's unclear if trademarks have previously been granted for physical gestures. Can anybody think of one?

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