By Michael Kondoudis, Trademark Attorney
This is our ULTIMATE guide to the phrase “A TRADITION UNLIKE ANY OTHER.”
For years, Jim Nantz has been the voice of CBS Sports coverage of The Masters. He is well known for introducing and referring to the golf tournament with his signature phrase, “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.” But does this catchphrase belong to Mr. Nantz as a trademarked phrase? If it is, who owns it?
If you want to know all there is to know about the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other,” then read on. This article is for you.
1. Jim Nantz and The History of “A Tradition Unlike Any Other”
The phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” has been used to promote The Masters golf tournament since the 1980s. It was first used in an advertisement campaign and quickly came to be associated with the tournament. It is widely recognized by golf fans worldwide and is closely associated with The Masters golf tournament.
Who invented the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other”
The phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” was coined by golf commentator Jim Nantz. Golf commentator Jim Nantz coined the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” during television coverage of The Masters golf tournament.
Who is Jim Nantz?
Jim Nantz is an American sportscaster and broadcaster for CBS Sports. He is known for his work as the play-by-play announcer for The NFL on CBS, NCAA Basketball, including the Final Four, and golf. He is perhaps best known for his work as an announcer for The Masters golf tournament.
When did Jim Nantz first use the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other”
1986. Jim Nantz coined the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” in 1986.
2. The “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” Trademark
The A TRADITION UNLIKE ANY OTHER trademarks have been used extensively during coverage of the The Masters golf tournament. The television coverage on the CBS network uses the phrase regularly in promotional advertising and during its actual coverage. The phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” is a recognized by golf fans and non-fans alike.
Is the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” trademarked?
Yes, the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” is a registered trademark. The phrase is the subject of two U.S. trademark registrations:
U.S. Trademark Registration No. 4,720,029
U.S. Trademark Registration No. 5,218,877
What do the trademarks for “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” cover?
The “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” trademarks cover:
- Organizing and conducting golf tournaments
- Wood plaques and signs
- Various items of clothing
What does it mean that “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” is trademarked?
The trademarks for “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” mean that Augusta National, Inc. owns the exclusive legal right to use the phrase on clothing, awards, and organizing golf tournaments.
Is “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” copyrighted or trademarked?
The phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” is trademarked because it is used as a brand to market products and services, including clothing and golf tournaments.
Copyrights protect creative works, such as music, television programs, and coverage of sporting events like The Masters golf tournament. Copyrights do not protect phrases, such as “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.”
3. When was “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” Trademarked?
2015. The phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” was first trademarked in 2015 and again in 2017. The applications were granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and they are now registered.
The phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” is the subject of two U.S. trademark registrations. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office first registered the phrase on April 14, 2015, based on a trademark application filed on September 14, 2014. It registered the phrase a second time on June 6, 2017, based on an application filed on September 15, 2014.
4. Who Owns “A Tradition Unlike Any Other”?
Who owns the trademarks for “A Tradition Unlike Any Other”?
Augusta National, Inc. owns the trademarks for “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.” Augusta National is the private golf club that owns and operates The Masters tournament. It is located in Augusta, Georgia, and is widely considered one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world.
The trademarks for “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” are owned by Augusta National, Inc., the owners of the Augusta National golf course, which hosts the Masters golf tournament.
Augusta National Gulf Course Clubhouse
Why does Augusta National own the trademarks for “A Tradition Unlike Any Other”?
Augusta National owns the trademarks for “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” because it owns the television broadcasts of the Masters golf tournaments. Also, trademark rights are based on use with products and services, and Augusta National uses the phrase as a brand for clothing, awards, and golf tournaments.
Jim Nantz does not use the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” except in connection with his work with CBS’s coverage of The Masters golf tournament. So, Jim Nantz does not use the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” as a trademark.
Can Jim Nantz use the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other”?
Augusta National has given the greenlight for Jim Nantz to keep using the phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” in connection with the The Masters golf tournament. However, he is not authorized to use the trademark in any other way.
5. Other Masters Trademarks
Does Augusta National own other trademarks?
Yes. Augusta National owns about 100 US trademarks. Its trademark portfolio includes registrations for:
- THE MASTERS
- ROAD TO THE MASTERS
- AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
- EISENHOWER’S TREE
- GREEN JACKET
- AMEN CORNER
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).