Even though he's already filed three trademarks over variations of the phrase "Three-peat," Miami Heat President Pat Riley is filing a fourth that'll compensate him every time the expression is used on clothing, items and other apparel (like rings for instance).
You may remember (though you probably don't) that Riley first trademarked the term at the beginning of the 1988-89 season when he was then coaching the Lakers. Los Angeles was all set to accomplish the feat that season but were instead swept by the Pistons when the Finals rolled around, ruining both L.A.'s postseason as well as their coaches dream. Four years later he had to watch an another team do the deed (let's call them the '93 Bulls) but Riley wasn't too upset because he actually made money off that title. In addition to the traditional spelling he later trademarked "Threepeat" (no spaces) and "3Peat" (How someone would say it on Facebook). The phrase is also protected from editions with "Heat" in them, so sorry to ruin the hopes of you thinking you could find a loophole with "Three-Heat" or something similar.
By the way, if you're wondering where Riley supposedly came up with the phrase, he stole it from former Lakers backup point guard Wes Matthews who said about his former coaches trademark "I give Pat a ton of credit for having the vision to do what he did." Which is far more deferential than the "Are you kidding me? What a dick." reaction we would've had.
[via ESPN]
