Quick take:
- NBA’s LaMelo Ball is headed to the metaverse.
- The Hornets point guard has filed 3 trademark applications for Web3-related products.
- Ball wants to offer virtual goods, NFTs and virtual basketball courts in the metaverse.
The NBA’s LaMelo Ball has become the latest basketball player to jump into the Web3 craze. The Charlotte Hornets point guard has filed three trademark applications for metaverse and NFT-related products. According to the filings, Ball plans to offer virtual goods, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and virtual basketball courts in the 3D virtual world.
US intellectual property (IP) attorney Josh Gerben reported the trademark filing on Twitter saying LaMelo Ball is headed to the metaverse.
“Just days before the All-Star Game, @MELOD1P filed trademark applications for LAMELO BALL, 1 OF 1 and M.E.L.O.,” he wrote.
The paperwork was submitted on Feb. 15 to the covering three distinct trademarks. LAMELO BALL ™, 1 OF 1 ™, and M.E.L.O. ™.
According to Gerben, the trademarks cover the virtual and digital representation of LaMelo Ball for use in virtual experiences and augmented reality. It also covers various digital products beverages, emotes, footwear, headgear, and photographs, among others.
The 2021 rookie of the year has also included downloadable software for eSports games under the filings. LaMelo Ball launched a gaming and eSports brand MB1 last month. He also added entertainment services involving video games and eSports to fully cover products under the MB1 brand.
The 1OF1 logo offers blanket cover to his clothing and swimwear apparel, including hoodies, T-shirts and socks.
On the other hand, the virtual basketball courts include activities such as playing sports and sports training in the metaverse, as well as, augmented reality and virtual worlds.
Notably, the products and events covered under the filings mirror Kobe Bryant’s filings last month, which also included virtual basketball courts, downloadable software and digital files, among others.
NBA-related NFTs and metaverse projects have been on the rise since Dapper Labs launched the NBA Top Shot NFT marketplace. Recently, Cleveland Cavaliers partnered with NFT platform Sweet to launch “My Cavs Locker” a platform where Cavs fans can participate in occasional NFT drops and showcase their own collections.
On the other hand, the NBA unveiled a limited edition NFT collectible dubbed the 2022 All-Star Court, alongside its shoppable NFT art gallery.
Stay up to date:
