“I Didn’t Authorize That” – Bruce Buffer Talks About the Real Reason Why He Had to Sue Disney

“It’s time”, is one of the most popular catchphrases in the world of combat sports. The legendary announcer, Bruce Buffer, mouths it. The UFC announcer’s brother, Michael Buffer, took over the announcing of WWE events. However, their signature catchphrases once became the reason they had to sue Disney.

The UFC announcer, Bruce Buffer, earlier spoke of how he sued Disney on ‘The Residency Podcast’. He also discussed that the distinctive phrases were his and his brother’s properties. 

Bruce Buffer on suing Disney

Bruce Buffer once appeared in episode 110 of ‘The Residency Podcast’. The UFC announcer revealed the reason he had to sue Disney. He said that the character of Hades in the movie Hercules once threw a fireball up in the sky and quoted his brother, Michael Buffer’s, catchphrase, “Let’s get ready to rumble.” However, Disney used the phrase without the authorization of the Buffer brothers. 

Buffer said, “I didn’t authorize that. So, what happens? I have to do business.” Furthermore, he compared the scenario with that of brands like Nike and Coca-Cola. He said, “Does Nike let me use the swish? No. Does Coca-Cola let you put their emblem? No. Is there any difference? No. You own it, right? It’s your business. You built it. Now I start getting settlements and I start getting licenses. So, either they approved it, either I approved it or I didn’t. And if you ever hear it, we actually pay a finder’s fee. People report to us. I get violations every month.” 

Monetization of the catchphrases

Michael Buffer and his brother trademarked their signature catchphrases. The brothers have accumulated a significant amount of capital and not just through the announcements. After completing the legal procedures for the trademark, the brothers earned more than a few million dollars. 

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Not just Disney but also Sony’s Columbia Pictures and New Line Cinema also faced the lawsuit when they used the announcer’s catchphrase for the promotion of ‘Booty Call’ and ‘Rumble in the Bronx’. Michael Buffer initially trademarked his five-word phrase under a class that focused on announcing sports and entertainment only. However, after consultation with his lawyers, the trademark is legally applicable to video games and clothing, as well. 

Nonetheless, the catchphrases, ‘It’s time’ and ‘Let’s get ready to rumble’ have become the identity of the Buffer brothers. It only makes sense that they’d trademark what they built.  

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What are your thoughts about the Buffer brothers legally owning their catchphrases? Let us know in the comments below.