Under Armour seeks to use the two-time MVP and all-time 3-point leader’s “Splash” logo for virtual goods, services, and entertainment in the virtual world.
Stephen Curry is having himself a fine week. On Tuesday night, the two-time MVP broke the NBA’s all-time record for made 3-pointers at the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, less than five minutes into Golden State’s contest with the Knicks. Eventually winning 105-96, Steph and the Dubs own the best record in basketball at 23-5.
And now, Curry and No. 1 brand partner Under Armour are making it clear that merely conquering the physical world is not enough.
According to a trademark application filed by Under Armour on Dec. 10, the Curry Brand is headed to the metaverse, as noted by attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Intellectual Property.
As the application reads, Under Armour seeks to use Steph’s “Splash” logo for:
- “Downloadable virtual goods, namely, computer programs featuring programs featuring apparel, footwear, headwear, sporting goods and accessories for use in online virtual worlds”
- “On-line retail store services featuring featuring virtual goods, namely, apparel, footwear, headwear, sporting goods and accessories for use in online virtual worlds; Retail store services featuring virtual goods, namely, apparel, footwear, headwear, sporting goods and accessories for use in online virtual worlds”
- “Entertainment services, namely, providing on-line, non-downloadable virtual apparel, footwear, headwear, sporting goods and accessories for use in virtual environments created for entertainment purposes”
To the metaverse we go.
— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) December 15, 2021
Here is a summary of the trademark application: 👇 pic.twitter.com/NYS6F5I9LL
While we can’t say with 100% certainty what Curry and UA are ultimately going for here, it’s clear that they’ve got their eyes on taking some manner of goods, services, and entertainment into the virtual world. It’s in keeping with recent efforts from Under Armour rivals like Nike and Adidas to make gamified incursions into the metaverse to find new ways to engage with consumers.
From the stat sheet to the merch market and beyond, we already know that Curry does numbers — record-setting ones. With that in mind, there’s plenty of reason to expect that No. 30’s big virtual splash will be of the head-turning variety.
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