Ryan Lochte 'facing lawsuit' over "Jeah!" trademark attempt

Ryan Lochte is reportedly facing legal action over his attempt to trademark the phrase "Jeah!"

The 28-year-old swimmer, who has 11 Olympic medals to his name, has filed papers to secure the rights to his favourite phrase for use on T-shirts, posters, water bottles and a fitness DVD.

However '90s rapper MC Eiht has claimed ownership of the word and is planning to send a cease and desist letter to Lochte.

"Why try and trademark something his ass didn't even create?" Eiht told TMZ. "I am mad that he isn't giving me proper recognition for taking my saying. He is just disrespectful."

Backstroke specialist Lochte pulled off one of the shocks of the Olympic swimming in the 400m individual medley, taking gold from countryman Michael Phelps.