It's wrong to be on like Donkey Kong

Nintendo files to trademark popular saying

12 November 2010 10:49 GMT / By Rik Henderson

Donkey Kong Country Returns is coming to the Nintendo Wii on 21 November, just in time for Christmas, and, to show that it's getting into the seasonal spirit, Nintendo has decided to file a request with the US Patent and Trademark office to trademark the pop-culture phrase "it's on like Donkey Kong".

The term, according to Nintendo, is "an old, popular Nintendo phrase that has a number of possible interpretations depending on how it's used. In addition to Nintendo's use, it has been used in popular music, television and film over the years, pointing to Donkey Kong's status as an enduring pop-culture icon and video game superstar".

However, we're pretty sure it's mainly used by the youth of today to signify that a rumble is about to go down. Innit.

Either way, from now on, everybody will have to say, "it's on like Donkey Kong"... "TM".

Sigh.

Overzealous legal departments or cynical marketing stunt, what do you think? Let us know in the comments below...

- Donkey Kong Country Returns - quick play preview

Via: engadget.com

Full tags

Gaming, Nintendo, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Country Returns, Nintendo Wii