In a move that itself warrants “OK, boomer”-ing, Fox has reportedly filed a trademark application this month for the phrase “OK, boomer” — apparently with the intentions of launching some sort of show with that name.
The filing was first noticed by trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who pointed out on Twitter that according to the filing, the network intends to launch a “reality, comedy and/or game show” based on the phrase Gen Z’s finest have come up with to dismiss Baby Boomers.
FOX has filed a trademark application for "OK BOOMER."
The media giant filed the application on November 11th.
According to the filing, FOX intends to launch a reality, comedy and/or game show called OK BOOMER.
My full breakdown 👇#OkBoomer#FoxNews pic.twitter.com/tmEDHC3QgM
— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) November 18, 2019
“It would seem unlikely that a company of this size would file such an application unless a show was being considered,” Gerben told CNN.
Fox isn’t the only one to try to cash in on the viral phrase. On Oct. 31, a New York man filed a trademark application for an “OK Boomer” brand of clothing, and on Nov. 12, a Pittsburgh-based company filed an application for a brand of stickers. However, Gerben says these applications are likely to be denied.
“In all likelihood, the USPTO will deny all of these applications because OK BOOMER has become a ‘widely used message,’” Gerben said. “A trademark registration will not issue in a phrase that is commonly used to convey a social or political message. This is because such a ‘viral’ phrase is incapable of identifying the source of a product or service — which is what trademarks must do to be capable of registration.”
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