"Linsanity" sparks trademark war

The fanatical frenzy surrounding New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is becoming even more Linsane.

A trademark war is brewing over the catch-phrase that describes the crazed excitement around Lin.

Since his breakout 25-point game against the Nets on Feb. 4, there have been seven applications filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to trademark "Linsanity".

That includes one by Pamela Deese, a lawyer representing Lin.

Jeremy Lin applies to trademark "Linsanity"

The applications cover use of the phrase on everything from cellphone cases and sunglasses to action figures and footwear.

A trademark can take a year or more to register.

The NBA says Lin jerseys have been the hottest selling jerseys at its online store since Feb. 4. It is preparing to sell more Lin-related merchandise like bobbleheads and plush animals.

Meanhile, "Linsanity" has caught the attention of tennis star Roger Federer.

On a conference call Thursday to promote a March 5 exhibition against Andy Roddick at Madison Square Garden — home, of course, to Lin's Knicks — 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer said he's "heard a bit about" the latest NBA phenomenon.

Federer says it's quite an "incredible story, actually, and I hope he can come to the exhibition."

He calls the Harvard player's surprising stardom an example of "why, I think, we all follow sports — because of great stories like this," when "all of a sudden, someone breaks through that you didn't know or didn't expect."