Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was denied a patent request for the word “Iceman,” his nickname and a reference to remaining calm under pressure.
United States Patent and Trademark Office cited the “likelihood of confusion” with an application dating to 1988 related to insulated boots by LaCrosse Footwear.
“These marks are identical in appearance, sound and meaning,” the USPTO said in a refusal letter to Williams issued June 24.
The ruling is not final and can be challenged by Williams. Nearly two-thirds of trademark patents applied for since Jan. 1 have met an initial denial, according to a detailed review by Gerben Law.
Williams’ application for the “Iceman” trademark included a request to grant exclusive branding rights on clothing, water bottles, sunglasses, trading cards, bags, footballs and general football-related apparel and merchandise.
A review of LaCrosse, a brand based in Oregon, indicates “Iceman” boots are no longer an active product, which could provide Williams’ attorneys an avenue for negotiation or revision to his current trademark application.
