Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams attempted to trademark the name "Iceman" through the US Patent & Trademark Office. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like he's going to be getting it anytime soon.
According to Michael Rothstein of ESPN, the USPTO has denied Williams' application for the trademark, citing a 1988 trademark filing by LaCrosse Footwear for its insulated boot brand. Since Williams applied for the trademark more broadly to include clothing, the USPTO decided that it posed a risk of confusion.
"These marks are identical in appearance, sound and meaning," the USPTO wrote in its refusal letter. "... Additionally, because they are identical, these marks are likely to engender the same connotation and overall commercial impression when considered in connection with applicant's and registrant's respective goods and/or services."
It looks like Williams may have goofed there. Had he been a little more stringent with his application and not explicitly applied it to clothing, he might have gotten away with it.
Chuck Liddell, George Gervin and fans of the movie Top Gun are probably relieved to hear that Williams didn't get it.
© Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Fans Weigh In
NFL fans were not at all amused by Williams' efforts to trademark the nickname. Many said that while he may have gotten the name last season, he hasn't done enough to earn a formal nickname that he can trademark.
"His nickname was given to him midway through last season. A handful of games through a season doesn’t earn you a nickname. He certainly wasn’t the iceman his first year. What a DB, but eat it all up Bears fans, it may have to last you a while," one user said dismissively.
"He’ll never be Iceman," another wrote, showing an image of the late-great Val Kilmer's Top Gun character.
"Good, because it's not unique in the slightest," a third wrote.
"He should have named himself Captain crybaby."
There's still plenty of time for Williams to find a new nickname that he actually can trademark.
