Nintendo will stop at nothing to own the world.

[Brushfire]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/11/10/on.like.donkey.kong/

It seems Nintendo is set on trying to copyright a phrase. This is either super-hilarious, or a scary look into how big Nintendo thinks they really are.

[Hobocop]

The only thing that surprised me when I saw this earlier today was that it took so long. Not especially extraordinary considering the industry climate, and I think that many of the comments on the link you provided are way too sensationalistic and over the top (someone refusing to buy their child this game over this? Sigh).

On the other hand, I do love how Retro tried to spin this as an exciting development and as a show of respect from Nintendo towards their newest revival:

http://retrostudios.com/news.asp

Regardless, can't wait for the game ... over 70 levels and aquatic ambience remix

[Brushfire]

The only thing that surprised me when I saw this earlier today was that it took so long. Not especially extraordinary considering the industry climate, and I think that many of the comments on the link you provided are way too sensationalistic and over the top (someone refusing to buy their child this game over this? Sigh).

On the other hand, I do love how Retro tried to spin this as an exciting development and as a show of respect from Nintendo towards their newest revival:

http://retrostudios.com/news.asp

Regardless, can't wait for the game ... over 70 levels and aquatic ambience remix

Waitwaitwaitwaitwait... Someone said that for real? Holy shit. I thought CNN was sposed to filter stupidity.

Wow you weren't kidding! That guy really did say that.

I should just become a hermit, and steer clear of the irrational anger folks bring me on the internet.

Next Fox News will tell us that Barack Obama spoke with Nintendo to try and get them to help with Donkey Kong Socialization of phrases.

Or MSNBC saying that Glorious Leader Barack Obama will be saving the world with DK based hope.

[Moseph]

Or MSNBC saying that Glorious Leader Barack Obama will be saving the world with DK based hope.

obama's message to republican-controlled house: "it's on like donkey kong"

[MechaFone]

obama's message to republican-controlled house: "it's on like donkey kong"

Hey. HEY. I'm writing you down, mister. You'll owe be owing Captain N some dough.

[José the Bronx Rican]

Oh, HELLZ no.

"Old, popular Nintendo phrase"? "In addition to Nintendo's use"?

I've only ever heard it ONCE in the 90's: Ice Cube's "

", first line. Nobody cared then, and it damn well didn't rise to any level of "pop culture" in 1992. Sad that they have even a slight chance of approval.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

The only place I've heard even a similar phrase was Teen Girl Squad.

[XZero]

Technically, they're trying to trademark the phrase, not copyright it.

A trademark is defined by the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1127, as "any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination thereof (1) used by a person, or (2) which a person has a bona fide intention to use in commerce and applies to a register on the principal register established by [the law] to identify and distinguish his or her goods . . . from those manufactured or sold by others and to indicate the source of the goods . . . ."

The mark must be something that is (a) arbitrary or fanciful (e.g., Apple for computer products), ( suggestive (Roach Motel), © Descriptive (Yellow Pages). If it is generic, it cannot be a trademark.

The question that Nintendo will have to deal with is which category the phrase falls into, specifically whether its usage has rendered it generic, and thus not subject to trademark.

[Velocifero]

I think if they do that, they'll be ruining it themselves as no one will want to ask permission to say that.

[Arcana]

This is a pop culture phrase? I've never heard anyone write or say this before today.

[ocre]

They hide behind an agenda of 'Smile Production' but you should see the leaked documents.

[big giant circles]

Pretty silly if you ask me.

[KyleJCrb]

This is a pop culture phrase? I've never heard anyone write or say this before today.

That's because only people in the US say stupid phrases like this.

[XZero]

That's because only people in the US say stupid phrases like this.

I've actually never heard it before this morning when I read this thread. So for my personal usage, I say let Nintendo have it if they want.

[big giant circles]

That's because only people in the US say stupid phrases like this.

I've said it before. Are you calling my phrase stupid? It's on like Donkey Kong, son!

[Moseph]

This is totally just a publicity stunt. As shown in the first post, Nintendo's already gotten at least one news article from it, so apparently it's working.

[Flare4War]

That's because only people in the US say stupid phrases like this.

I've heard it used here and there and it isn't a stupid phrase. Used in the right situation it can be fucking hilarious.

I would be shocked if Nintendo actually thinks they can win this. It seems like it would be beneficial for them if people use it in the media and pop culture. Sorta like free advertising.

[KyleJCrb]

I've heard it used here and there and it isn't a stupid phrase. Used in the right situation it can be fucking hilarious.

Hilarious =/= not stupid. Believe me, I'm a big fan of stupid memes and phrases and find them amusing, but that doesn't mean they aren't stupid.

[Brushfire]

the first time I heard a phrase like this is that Teen Girl Squad episode. And even then it was Diddy Kong, and not the Donkey.

[Thalzon]

It's on like donkey dong.

[Gario]

Only time I heard it was in 'Dumb and Dumberer'. I think that alone sums it up.

[EC2151]

I only noticed it during that one Superbowl ad a few years ago. Then it became a popular saying amongst us hip kids.

i think it's pretty funny, because I still have yet to figure out just what the hell that simile even means.

[The Pezman]

You's in trouble now, Payton.

[Lint]

I feel like the real outcome of this will be hilarious news clips of news anchors saying "It's on like Donkey Kong" in that questioning tone they use when stating a really out of sync pop culture reference that that don't understand at all.

Unfortunately, she is too familiar with the term to be awkward with using the phrase.

[JerryTerry]

I'm ashamed to admit that I've actually used that phrase a few times.

I just hope to god that Street Sharks don't rise from the grave to trademark the phrase "Jawesome!", or I'm screwed.