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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jeremy Armstrong

Usain Bolt applies to trademark his lightning victory pose to use it on sportswear brand

Track icon Usain Bolt is set to trademark his famous victory celebration pose, so he can use it on his own brand of sportswear.

Bolt, who turned 36 on Sunday, has filed an application with the US Patent and Trademark Office. It will safeguard the silhouette image of him pointing to the stars.

First called 'To Di World', it was quickly dubbed 'Lightning Bolt'.

Bolt made it famous at the 2008 Olympics, where he won 100m, 200m and relay gold and set a 100m world record.

The logo could be used on his brand of jewellery, purses, sunglasses, shoes and sporting goods. It could also include restaurants, sports bars and services like VIP areas, catering and loyalty card schemes.

He did the pose for photographers and TV cameras as he conquered the sprint world. The popular Jamaican still holds the world records for the 100m and 200m, making him the fastest man in history.

Now a dad to twins Thunder and Saint Leo, his application covers: "The silhouette of a man in a distinctive pose, with one arm bent and pointing to the head, and the other arm raised and pointing upward".

Mo Farah during the London 2012 Olympic Games (Getty Images)

Josh Gerben, a Washington DC-based trademark lawyer, told the BBC : "Given that Bolt is now retired from racing, it makes sense that he would look to expand his business empire.

"The silhouette of his victory pose is recognised around the world. This trademark registration would enable him to offer the items listed in the application himself, or license the right to use the trademark to third parties."

He applied to register a similar trademark 12 years ago, but this has since lapsed under US law. The "Jumpman" logo is owned by Nike to promote the Air Jordan brand of former player Michael Jordan.

The Air Jordan logo (Getty Images)

A number of sports stars have signature celebrations which might also be trademarked. The Premier League's all-time record scorer Alan Shearer famously raised his right arm aloft when he hit the back of the net.

Racing legend Frankie Detorri would leap off his horse with his arms aloft to celebrate a winner. England rugby star Chris Ashton had his famous 'sky-dive' when he crossed the line for a try.

And British middle distance Olympic legend Mo Farah successfully applied to trademark his now famous 'MoBot' celebration.

Bolt retired from athletics at the 2017 World Championships in London as an eight time Olympic gold medallist.

He could only manage bronze in his penultimate race - the men's 100m - before pulling up injured just as he began to hit top speed at his final event, the 4x100m relay.

When asked if he would make a comeback, he replied: "I've seen too many people come back just to make it worse or to shame themselves. I won't be one of those people."

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