The ice has melted for the Bears’ star quarterback.
Caleb Williams’ attempt to trademark “Iceman” has been refused, according to USPTO records.
The USPTO sees too much similarity and a “likelihood of confusion” with a 1988 trademark by LaCrosse Footwear, which holds a trademark for “Iceman” for insulated boots and boot liners.
“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.”
Williams applied for the trademark across multiple categories, including clothing, which allowed the USPTO to do a broad refusal.
The quarterback also applied for trademarks for athletic bags, water bottles, sporting goods, a website and entertainment services, in addition to clothing.
“They make the connection between the other goods in Caleb’s application, saying that even though these are just insulated boots and Caleb is claiming shirts and hats and pants and all these other things, that those are related goods,” Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney with Gerben IP, told ESPN.
Gerben went on to say that refusal is not unusual, with USPTO data showing that over 63.5% of first-time trademark applicants are denied.
Those, however, are not all denied due to conflicts.
Williams can still appeal the decision, and Gerben told ESPN he has a good case if he does.
“The registration that they’re citing here is for obviously a very limited product line. Literally insulated boots,” Gerben said. “Look, it might be harder for him to get Iceman registered for a brand of clothing items because of that, but there are other things in his application that he could possibly still wind up with a registration here.”
Williams gave credit on Jason and Travis Kelce’s “New Heights” show to his former teammate DJ Moore for the “Iceman” nickname.
It supposedly comes from a mix of his cool demeanor during big moments in games and his celebration where he imitates being cold.