Turkish Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec has taken steps to trademark his now-famous stance, which gained viral attention during the Paris Games. Dikec, who won silver in the mixed-team 10m air pistol event alongside teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, became an internet sensation when his relaxed, hand-in-pocket posture was widely shared and imitated online. His coach, Erdinc Bilgili, explained that the decision to apply for trademark protection came after discovering multiple attempts to register the pose without Dikec’s knowledge.
The image of Dikec’s calm and composed stance quickly inspired a wave of memes and comparisons to iconic figures like James Bond. Even high-profile individuals, including Tesla founder Elon Musk, joined in on the trend, with Musk posting a video of himself mimicking the pose. The popularity of Dikec’s stance also extended beyond social media, influencing other athletes and even entering the world of sports celebrations. Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was seen copying the stance after scoring a goal against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Merchandise featuring Dikec’s likeness has also emerged, with T-shirts, mugs, and phone covers becoming available for purchase. This commercialization of his image added urgency to the decision to seek trademark protection, as the shooter and his team aimed to control how his viral stance was being used in the marketplace.
Coach Bilgili mentioned that the application to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office was submitted about a week ago, after learning of the numerous unauthorized attempts to register the stance. Fortunately for Dikec, these unauthorized applications were rejected, allowing his team to take the necessary steps to protect his image.
In an earlier interview with AFP, Dikec downplayed the significance of his stance, explaining that it was merely a technique to help him maintain balance and stability while shooting. Despite the viral attention and comparisons to fictional heroes, Dikec insisted that there was nothing particularly special about the pose other than its practical purpose in his sport.
The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office has yet to comment on the status of Dikec’s application, but the shooter and his team remain optimistic about securing the trademark. The move to protect his stance highlights the growing intersection of sports, social media, and intellectual property, where viral moments can quickly lead to commercial opportunities—and the need for legal safeguards.
For Dikec, trademarking his pose is not just about capitalizing on its popularity but also about ensuring that his image is used in a way that aligns with his values and identity as an athlete. As he continues to represent Turkey on the international stage, the protection of his viral stance serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways in which sports stars can influence popular culture and the importance of safeguarding their personal brand.
