Turkey’s Olympic pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec has applied to trademark his famous laid-back stance from the Paris Games, which gained viral attention globally, according to his coach Erdinc Bilgili. The decision to file with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office came after Dikec learned that others were attempting to trademark his pose without his consent.
“After we were informed of several unauthorized trademark registration attempts, we submitted our application about a week ago,” Bilgili told AFP, confirming that other claims had been rejected.
Dikec’s cool and composed stance sparked a wave of online memes, with many comparing him to James Bond. Even Elon Musk shared a video mimicking the pose. It became popular among athletes after Dikec and teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan won Turkey’s first silver medal in the mixed-team 10m air pistol event.
Dikec’s pose has also been copied in various sports, including by Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who used it to celebrate a goal during a Premier League match. Turkish news outlets reported that items like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases featuring his likeness have already gone on sale.
Dikec explained that the stance, which involves keeping his hand in his pocket, helps him maintain stability and balance during competition. “There’s nothing more to it,” he told AFP.
The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office has yet to comment on the situation.
