Nintendo requests 'It's on like Donkey Kong' trademark
Nintendo has filed a trademark application for "It's on like Donkey Kong" with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The company said the request was made "in honor of the upcoming Nov. 21 launch" of Donkey Kong Country Returns -- in other words, Nintendo is about to put a lock on the phrase's commercial use: "On Nov. 21, It's on like Donkey Kong[TM]!"
Of course, Nintendo both recognizes and encourages the everyday use of the phrase, describing it as "an old, popular Nintendo phrase that has a number of possible interpretations depending on how it's used." The ambiguity with which that's presented lets the mind wander past Ron's gleeful bowling pronouncement to dusty arcades with challengers quartering up, shouting "IT'S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!" while choosing Akuma (again). Or when it's shouted across the internet by your friend on the blue team who just got no-scoped in the dome.
Okay, it's mostly used by gamers shouting at other gamers. Fine.
[Image credit: Vinteeage.com)
Of course, Nintendo both recognizes and encourages the everyday use of the phrase, describing it as "an old, popular Nintendo phrase that has a number of possible interpretations depending on how it's used." The ambiguity with which that's presented lets the mind wander past Ron's gleeful bowling pronouncement to dusty arcades with challengers quartering up, shouting "IT'S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!" while choosing Akuma (again). Or when it's shouted across the internet by your friend on the blue team who just got no-scoped in the dome.
Okay, it's mostly used by gamers shouting at other gamers. Fine.
[Image credit: Vinteeage.com)
