Woman Tries To Trademark ‘I Can’t Breathe’ To Sell Merchandise

Los Angeles Lakers' Ronnie Price warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, in Los Angeles. Several athletes have worn "I Can't Breathe" shirts in support of the fami... Los Angeles Lakers' Ronnie Price warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, in Los Angeles. Several athletes have worn "I Can't Breathe" shirts in support of the family of Eric Garner, who died July 17 after a police officer placed him in a chokehold when he was being arrested for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) MORE LESS
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An Illinois woman has applied for a trademark to the phrase “I Can’t Breathe,” made famous as the last words of New York man Eric Garner, who died in July after a police officer placed the unarmed black man in a chokehold.

Catherine Crump, 57, submitted a petition to the the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Dec. 13, the Smoking Gun reported Thursday.

Crump says she has made use of the phrase as early as August 18, one month after Garner was killed, according to the site. She intends to print the phrase on hoodies and t-shirts for sale.

Since Garner’s death, and the subequent grand jury decision on Dec. 3 not to indict the officer who choked him, protestors across the country have turned “I can’t breathe” into a chant at demonstrations.

Crump told The Smoking Gun she did not apply for a trademark to make money.

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