Ian Rapoport reported today that representatives for San Francisco 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander had filed a trademark application for "Hot Boyzz" and "Hot Boyzz University" ahead of the team's trip to Super Bowl LIV. The name for the Niners' linebackers has been used on shirts and in other ways throughout the season.
In advance of Super Bowl LIV and the publicity that awaits, #49ers LB Kwon Alexander has filed trademark applications for Hot Boyzz and Hot Boyzz University, per his trademark lawyer @DarrenHeitner. Alexander leads SF's "Hot Boyzz" movement.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2020
The name has taken on a life of its own ... and DeMarcus Lawrence wants it to stop.
You had to see this one coming.
The Dallas Cowboys defensive end says he has already taken steps to put a stop to Alexander and the 49ers linebackers and protect his trademarked "Hot Boyz," and it doesn't matter how many "Zs" Alexander puts on it. Lawrence says his legal team has been monitoring the situation in Santa Clara.
Appreciate everyone keeping me updated on the imposters. But, please believe my legal team has been monetering the situation and has already taken the steps to protect our ™️. Only one @HotBoyzTM don't matter how many "Z's" they put on it. #LawyerUp
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) January 21, 2020
Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated and 105.3 The Fan in Dallas asked Lawrence in August, before the season, about the 49ers' use of the monicker.
"I don't know what's going on," Lawrence responded while telling Fisher the term is trademarked.
Added Lawrence: "The 'Hot Boyz' is here. We're the 'Hot Boyz.' Everybody knows that. Some people don't watch the media or tune in to Instagram or whatnot."
Lawrence also said that, as soon as the season starts, the 49ers linebackers will see who the real "Hot Boyz" (or "Hot Boyzz") are. The Cowboys finished with an 8-8 record and failed to make the playoffs.
Where did the "Hot Boyz University" variant come from? Alexander used the term on NBC's broadcast of the Divisional Round playoff game between the 49ers and Minnesota Vikings.
brb, applying to get my degree at HOT BOYZZ UNIVERSITY@49ers | @kwon | #MINvsSF pic.twitter.com/6uNF3uXwqQ
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 11, 2020