Washington's NFL team played its first season as the Commanders in 2022, but they still don't have a patent on the name.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office denied the Commanders' trademark application on May 18, citing the existing trademarks of the Commanders' Classic (a football game between Air Force and Navy) and pending applications for the Washington Space Commanders and Washington Wolf Commanders made by a Washington, D.C.-area man named Martin McCaulay.
Josh Gerben @JoshGerbenThe USPTO has denied the trademark application for the NFL's Washington Commanders.<br><br>On May 18th, the USPTO issued the denial citing two reasons.<br><br>1⃣ An existing trademark for "Commanders' Classic."<br>2⃣ Pending applications filed by a DC-area man.<br><br>A thread 🧵<a href="">#HTTC</a> <a href="">
"The trademark office's recent nonfinal office action is an ordinary course step in the standard trademark registration process. We will respond to the Trademark Office's office action and are confident that our registration will be issued," a Commanders spokesperson said in a statement to John Keim of ESPN.
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben said it's likely that the Commanders will ultimately be able to patent their name.
Josh Gerben @JoshGerbenWhat are the Commanders' next steps?<br><br>As for the "Commanders' Classic" registration, the team can:<br><br>➡️ file a response, arguing that a NFL team is unlikely to be confused with a single college game.<br><br>➡️ attempt to buy out the rights or sign a co-existence agreement.<br><br>[4/6]
McCaulay attempted to trademark several names in anticipation of Washington announcing its new team name in 2022. A longtime fan of the franchise, he has said in the past that he would willingly give up any trademarks to help the team.
