The Masters is in full swing at Augusta National, and while there’s plenty of action on the course, an interesting story has popped up in regards to one of Jim Nantz’s favorite catchphrases during the event. Back in September, Augusta National filed a pair of trademark’s for Nantz’s “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” phrase, which he’s reportedly been using since 1986.
According to ESPN, Nantz didn’t oppose the filing, and because of Augusta National’s unique TV contracts with ESPN and CBS, they technically own the broadcast as opposed to one of the networks it airs on.
Nantz’ agent Sandy Montag told ESPN.com on Thursday that, to his knowledge, his client was not aware that the club had registered for the mark, but that it presented no issue.
“It’s the same language in every contract,” Montag said. “Whatever work you do for the network is owned by the network, not you.”
It turns out that ESPN and CBS televise the Masters, but Augusta National actually owns the broadcast. That means, by the transitive property, Augusta National actually owns Nantz’s famous phrase anyway.
An Augusta National spokesperson told ESPN.com that the club has claimed rights to the phrase and will eventually own the registered trademark, as the periods in which people or companies can oppose the filing have both passed without issue.
We’ve seen broadcasters file for trademarks for their own catchphrases before – Bill Raftery comes to mind, most famously. But for a venue to claim a trademark coined by a broadcaster? That’s a new one. But then again, *nothing* about The Masters is typical from what we’ve seen in other sports, and there really isn’t anything that can happen regarding The Masters that would shock me at this point.
[ESPN]
