Getting shoe deals signed with NBA prodigies has been a tradition in the league for decades now. And if there is one brand that is quick to grab onto them is, Nike. They pick players that represent their brand in the best manner and have undoubtedly succeeded greatly. From Michael Jordan, LeBron James to Kobe Bryant, they have chosen wisely. However, Kobe’s contract has just expired recently and they are already venturing out and might be trying to launch their own brand itself.
Kobe Bryant estate planning to expand
Kobe Bryant was initially part of the Adidas brand for six years when he joined the NBA. But after winning his three NBA Championships, he got on board with the Nike brand and hadn’t looked back since. Now, that their partnership has come to end, the Kobe estate has better and bigger plans.
As per intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben, “An analysis of the legal filings on behalf of the basketball legend’s estate show that more than 13 trademarks have been filed since May 2020. The filings would suggest Vanessa [Bryant] is building an IP portfolio for a new brand launch.”
These filings include trademark applications for Play Gigi’s Way, Mamba and Mambacita, Baby Mambas, and Mamba League. These fillings have indicated that these trademarks are going to branch into gym wear, lounge wear, clothing, and footwear. Gerben said, “these were filed under “intent to use,” which usually means an underlying business may be being planned.”
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts to allowing a layup by Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) during the second half of the Nuggets’ 99-90 win at the Pepsi Center on Sunday, January 1, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post (Photo By AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Mamba Academy changed to Sports Academy
The trademarks aren’t the only thing they have been working on. The Mamba Academy, to which Kobe and his daughter, along with seven others’ were travelling to that day before the tragic helicopter crash, has also been renamed as Sports Academy.
“It was a mutual agreement, made in accordance with the wishes of his estate,” the academy said in a statement. “Vanessa — or the estate — is going through and relatively methodically trying to protect the brand around Kobe and his daughter,” said Gerben.
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the first half of game five in their NBA playoff game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post (Photo By AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
There has always been signs of Kobe starting his own company. But it wasn’t until now that it is becoming a reality. However, Vanessa has assured the Lakers‘ legend’s fans that they need not worry and that they will be wearing his products for years to come.
Read also- Did Kobe Bryant Estate End Nike Partnership After Not Receiving Same Treatment as LeBron James and Michael Jordan?
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