The phrase Let’s Get Ready To Rumble is a cultural phenomenon. It has been used in countless boxing matches, sports events, movies, TV shows, and video games. But it is also the foundation of a multi-million dollar empire built on trademarks.
By Michael Kondoudis, Small Business Trademark Attorney
This is our COMPLETE guide to the famous phrase: Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!
This guide covers:
- The Origins of the Famous Phrase
- Trademark Protections for the Phrase
- Pop Culture Fame
- Transformation into a Multimillion-Dollar Business
So, if you need to learn about the famous phrase Let’s Get Ready To Rumble, this guide is for you.
Let’s jump in!
I. The Origins of a Famous Catchphrase
Who Says Let’s Get Ready to Rumble?
Michael Buffer says Let’s Get Ready to Rumble. He started using the phrase about 40 years ago.
Who is the Let’s Get Ready to Rumble Guy?
Michael Buffer is the Let’s Get Ready to Rumble guy. Mr. Buffer is a legendary ring announcer.
Who is Michael Buffer?
In the world of sports, few voices are as instantly recognizable as that of Michael Buffer. Known for his elegant appearance and resounding, deep voice, Buffer has become a staple in sports arenas across the globe.
Born on November 2, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Michael’s parents divorced when he was just 11 months old. Subsequently, he was raised by foster parents under the name of Huber. Though he faced challenges early on, Michael later found his calling in sports announcing.
At the age of 38, in 1982, Buffer began his career as a ring announcer. He soon gained national exposure, serving as the exclusive announcer for fights promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank on ESPN.
Michael Buffer is best known for his work in boxing, but his powerful voice has also led to opportunities outside the ring. Today, you can hear him at prestigious events like the MLB World Series, NBA Finals, WWE, and even the now-defunct WCW. Mr. Buffer has even appeared in movies and television, including Rocky and South Park.
How It All Started
As Buffer’s popularity as a ring announcer grew, he knew he needed a distinctive phrase to capture the crowd’s attention and generate excitement for the match. He experimented with several lines, but none resonated with the audience.
Drawing inspiration from notable boxers and their sayings, Buffer recalled that Muhammad Ali often said, “Rumble, young man, rumble.” Additionally, renowned announcer Sal Marchiano was known to declare “We’re ready to rumble” when presenting a fight. By merging these phrases, Buffer crafted his now-legendary slogan. The phrase was an instant hit, and it quickly became Buffer’s signature call.
Michal Buffer first used the phrase “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” during a boxing match in 1984.
To ensure the phrase’s powerful delivery, a friend who was a professional singer coached him. Buffer learned the importance of dramatic delivery and mastered the strategic pause, allowing the crowd to react enthusiastically. The phrase quickly gained traction, establishing Buffer as a household name in the world of boxing.
II. Trademark Protections
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is an exclusive right that a business or individual has to use a name, logo, slogan, or other symbol to identify products and services. Trademarks help protect a brand’s identity from competitors who may try to copy it while also preventing confusion among consumers. Trademarks protect brands.
Is Let’s Get Ready To Rumble Trademarked?
Yes, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” is a registered trademark owned by Ready to Rumble LLC. The trademark is associated with the famous boxing announcer Michael Buffer, who started using the phrase in 1984 and obtained the federal trademark in the early 1990s. Since securing the trademark, Buffer has earned over $400 million from its use, selling the rights to use the line in various products, including video games, TV shows, movies, and merchandise.
Related: Guide to Famous Trademarks
When Was Let’s Get Ready To Rumble Trademarked?
The phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble!” was trademarked by Michael Buffer in 1992. He first started using the catchphrase in 1984. The trademark was issued in 1995 and lists the word mark “Let’s get ready to rumble” as a protected phrase owned by Ready to Rumble LLC.
Who Owns the Trademark for Let’s Get Ready To Rumble?
The trademark for the phrase “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” is owned by Ready to Rumble, Inc., which is a corporation formed by the famous boxing announcer Michael Buffer. Buffer first started using the phrase in 1984 and obtained a federal trademark for it in 1992. Since then, he has generated over $400 million in revenue from selling the rights to use the phrase in various licensing deals, including video games, TV shows, movies, and merchandise. Ready to Rumble, Inc. is responsible for protecting and enforcing the trademark, ensuring that others do not use the phrase without permission.
U.S. Trademark Registration No. 1,905,876 for LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE
How Much Is the Let’s Get Ready To Rumble Trademark Worth?
The “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” trademark is worth a significant amount of money, with estimates ranging from $400 million to $500 million. Michael Buffer, the famous ring announcer who created the catchphrase, has generated this revenue by licensing the rights to use the phrase in various forms of media, including music, video games, movies, TV shows, and merchandise. Buffer obtained the federal trademark for the phrase in 1992, meaning anyone who wants to use it must pay him. He has been vigilant about protecting his trademark and has been involved in legal battles over its unauthorized use.
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Timeline of the Let’s Get Ready To Rumble Trademarks
The catchphrase “Let’s get ready to rumble!” was popularized by Michael Buffer, a world-renowned boxing and wrestling ring announcer. Here is the history behind the catchphrase:
1984: Buffer was hired to announce a match between Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns, where he first used the catchphrase inspired by a line from a song by rap group UTFO, which he had heard on the radio.
1992: Buffer decided to trademark the phrase and formed a corporation named Ready to Rumble LLC, as he started hearing the phrase being used outside the ring and realized its potential as intellectual property.
1995: The trademark for the phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble” was issued, listing Ready to Rumble LLC as the owner of the protected phrase.
$400 million: Since securing the trademark in 1992, Buffer has reportedly earned over $400 million from the use of his catchphrase through licensing deals, including video games, TV shows, movies, and merchandise.
Variations: Over the years, Buffer has also used variations of the catchphrase, such as “Let’s get ready to shuffle up and deal” for the 2008 World Series of Poker finals.
III. Pop Culture Fame
Popularity in the Media
It’s not just boxing fans who love the catchphrase. Over the years, “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” became a pop culture phenomenon, featured in movies, TV shows, and even political rallies. Many celebrities and athletes, such as Michael Jordan and Hulk Hogan, have used the phrase to fire up their fans. In fact, the phrase has become so popular that Michael Buffer has trademarked it, making him a fortune. He has also lent his voice and catchphrase to video games, commercials, and other events, reinforcing its place in pop culture.
But what is it about this catchphrase that makes it so effective? According to Buffer, it’s all about the buildup. He intentionally stretches out the intro, drawing the audience in and building anticipation for what’s to come. This creates a sense of excitement and energy that carries over into the event itself.
Plus, the catchphrase has a certain ring to it – it’s catchy, memorable, and easy to say. It’s the perfect way to get people fired up.
Over the years, celebrities and athletes have used the phrase to excite their fans in different settings. The phrase has been used in entertainment events such as the Grammy Awards and Super Bowl halftime shows. It’s also been featured in movies, video games, and even commercials.
IV. From Catchphrase to Business
Michael Buffer has turned his famous catchphrase into a multimillion-dollar empire by using trademarks. Here’s how.
In 1992, Michael Buffer made a game-changing decision that is a valuable lesson for business owners today. After observing that his catchphrase, “Let’s get ready to rumble,” was gaining popularity far and wide, Buffer realized it was crucial to protect it. Consequently, he took the essential step of trademarking the phrase, a move that would help him secure his intellectual property and lead to the formation of his company, Ready to Rumble LLC.
In a 2009 ABC News interview, Buffer recounted the moment that led to this pivotal decision: “I realized it was popping up everywhere… And they were, like, using my line. And I checked with attorneys and found out that this could be considered what they call intellectual property.”
V. Final Thoughts
One key aspect of Buffer’s success that business owners should take note of is his decision to trademark his iconic phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble!®”. By doing so, he has protected his work and built a sustainable brand around his voice and unique catchphrase.
Buffer’s experience highlights a crucial takeaway for business owners: trademarking a phrase is the best way to protect it and secure your intellectual property. So, if you have a unique and catchy phrase associated with your brand, consider following Buffer’s footsteps and take the necessary steps to protect it.
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For more than twenty years, Michael Kondoudis has been the go-to trademarking expert for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Michael is a USPTO-licensed trademark and patent attorney, educator, speaker, and author of the Amazon best-seller: Going From Business Owner to Brand Owner. He is also an authority trusted by national news media on major trademark stories.
Fun Facts: Michael is a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and an actual rocket scientist (B.S. Astronomy and Astrophysics, Indiana University 1994).
