Kris Lindahl applies to trademark signature ‘arms out’ pose

Kris Lindahl and his real estate company are perhaps best known for his pose seen on billboards and buses throughout the metro.

If you’re a Twin Cities resident, chances are you already know what it looks like: Lindahl, pictured from the chest up with arms outstretched, palms facing forward and a big smile on his face.

But last week, “to prevent consumer confusion and stop industry copycats,” New Hope-based Lindahl Realty, LLC, applied to trademark the stance, according to documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Lindahl emphasized that people who simply enjoy showing off their wingspan will not be prosecuted in the event this trademark is approved.

“Our big goal here is to protect our brand for our team and our clients,” Lindahl said in a statement. “I want to be clear that this is not about us trying to stop the general public from holding their arms out or doing the pose. We welcome that.”

Last year, Lindahl briefly rolled out billboards that eschewed the infamous pose, but it was brought back by popular demand.

It remains to be seen whether Lindahl will get a “guaranteed offer” on his trademark application.

While the application was filed on June 22, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website says it will be approximately six months until an examining attorney reviews the documents.