Many athletes have high recognizable names. For this reason, an athlete might want to trademark their name to ensure that nobody else can profit from their likeness.
How does one go about completing this process? And, is it even possible? The short answer is yes, athletes can trademark their name. Names of people, companies as well as business logos and symbols can all be trademarked. But, it can be a complicated process and isn’t always guaranteed.
The most important factor when it comes to athletes trying to trademark their name is that a person’s name “distinctive.” For example, Cleveland Browns’ linebacker Barkevious Mingo would probably run into little resistance if he tried to trademark his name. However, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running back Michael Smith could have trouble, as there are millions of Americans with the same name.
But before anything else, people need to visit the US Patent and Trademark Office’s website (www.uspto.gov) to ensure a previous trademark hasn’t already been awarded. The USPTO reserves the right to decline any trademark request. The most common reasons for denial include:
The mark is likely to cause confusion with another in a registration or prior application;
The mark is a geographic term;
The mark is a surname;
The mark is ornamental as applied to the goods.
One of the most prominent athletes to have a trademark on his or her name is Michael Jordan. The former basketball player has a trademark on “Jordan” for his extremely popular clothing and shoe line through Nike. Tiger Woods is another major athlete with his name trademarked, as he also he apparel and shoes with Nike.
Prior to submitting an application for a trademark, athletes might want to seek out the advice from the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work to ensure the process goes smoothly.
What Business Owners Get Wrong Before Meeting a Litigation Attorney
What should you expect when meeting a litigation attorney about a business dispute? You should expect to describe the dispute in your own words, hand over the most important documents, flag any deadlines or immediate threats, and leave with a clearer picture of the problem, what information is still needed, and the likely next steps. […]
Arbitration vs. Litigation vs. Mediation: What New Jersey Businesses Should Know Before Signing a Contract
Arbitration resolves disputes privately before an arbitrator whose decision is usually final, while litigation resolves them in court with full rights of appeal. Whether a business ends up in arbitration or litigation is often decided when it signs the contract, long before any dispute arises. Key Takeaways When facing a contract dispute, carefully consider your […]
Can You Own Part of a New Jersey Business Without a Written Agreement?
Can you own part of a business in New Jersey without a written agreement? Yes, it is possible. Under New Jersey’s Uniform Partnership Act, a partnership can arise when two or more people carry on a business as co-owners for profit, whether or not they ever intended to form one. Ownership doesn’t necessarily depend on […]
Crisis-Proofing Your New Jersey Business: Building a Crisis Response Plan Before You Need One
For New Jersey businesses, crisis preparedness should be viewed as a legal and operational function, not simply an emergency-management exercise. A well-designed crisis response plan can help preserve evidence, protect confidential communications, meet reporting obligations, limit unnecessary exposure, and prevent an already difficult situation from becoming a larger legal problem. Key Takeaways A serious crisis […]
Monmouth County's Next Development Wave: What Developers and Investors Need to Know
Monmouth County is entering a significant new phase of development. For those looking to acquire property or undertake a new project, understanding the market opportunity is only the beginning. The more important question is whether a particular property can actually be developed as contemplated and what approvals, agreements, and other conditions will be required to […]
Are Your Conversations with AI Shielded from Discovery? Courts Are Split
Whether a client’s prompts to a generative AI tool and the documents it produces are protected from disclosure depends on the case type, who claims protection, and whether counsel was involved. In United States v. Heppner, a New York federal judge ruled that a criminal defendant’s communications with an AI platform were protected by neither […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
