The Buffer Zone

Once, Michael Buffer was just another empty tuxedo who introduced fighters. But the peripatetic Buffer—a self-made mannequin, er, man—has parlayed his impressive pipes and trademarked catchphrase "Let's get ready to rummmmmble" (hereafter LGRTR) into a lucrative franchise. As this legal scorecard shows, the Buff intends to rebuff all copycats. Let's get ready to litigate....

Buffer vs. Jackie Chan, 1996

THE BLOW-BY-BLOW
Buffer sues New Line Cinema over use of LGRTR in trailer for action star's Rumble in the Bronx

THE DECISION
Pending

Buffer vs. Columbia Pictures, 1997

THE BLOW-BY-BLOW
Buffer sues studio for using LGRTR in film Booty Call, claiming movie aped his voice and delivery

THE DECISION
Settled

Buffer vs. Oliver North, 1997

THE BLOW-BY-BLOW
Buffer sues crew-cut Iran-Contra heavyweight over repeated use of LGRTR on North's syndicated radio program, charging North's use of the phrase had been a detriment to business and "goodwill"

THE DECISION
Pending