Nintendo Officially Declares 'It's On Like Donkey Kong' With a US Trademark
Now every time you say the phrase, you owe Nintendo a dollar.
The phrase has been around for years, used in a variety of media, most notably movies, but now, Nintendo officially owns the rights to the catchphrase, "It's on like Donkey Kong." In honor of the upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns, Nintendo has decided to take the plunge and file a request for ownership with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
This trademark, like all others, provides Nintendo with protection over the exclusive right to use the phrase. Nintendo can hold indefinite rights over the phrase given they renew it, and in order to officially use the phrase, entities will now need to pay dues to Nintendo.
On November 21 it will be on like Donkey Kong Country Returns in America.
Press Release
Nintendo Files Official Trademark for Catchphrase ‘It’s On Like Donkey Kong’
In honor of the upcoming Nov. 21 launch of Donkey Kong Country™ Returns for the Wii™ console, Nintendo has filed a request with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to trademark the pop-culture phrase “It’s on like Donkey Kong.” For those unfamiliar with the term, “It’s on like Donkey Kong” is an old, popular Nintendo phrase that has a number of possible interpretations depending on how it’s used. In addition to Nintendo’s use, it has been used in popular music, television and film over the years, pointing to Donkey Kong’s status as an enduring pop-culture icon and video game superstar.
Donkey Kong™ is one of the oldest and most recognizable video game characters. He has been a pop-culture icon since the launch of his 1981 self-titled arcade game. Donkey Kong again rose to prominence in the 1994 Super NES™ game Donkey Kong Country. His new game, Donkey Kong Country Returns, marks his triumphant return in a new side-scrolling adventure with new challenges amid a beautiful setting. The game features the first simultaneous cooperative game-play mode for the series, with one player controlling Donkey Kong and the other controlling his agile pal, Diddy Kong™.
On Nov. 21, It’s on like Donkey Kong™!
For more information about Donkey Kong Country Returns, visit http://donkeykong.nintendo.com/.
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