A trademark dispute is brewing between basketball Hall of Famer George Gervin and Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams over rights to the nickname ‘Iceman.’
Gervin, who popularized the nickname during his NBA career in the 1970s and 1980s, said he intends to challenge Williams’ recent trademark filings for ‘Iceman,’ telling the ESPN that while he respects the young quarterback, “that name is taken up.”
The dispute stems from a series of filings made within days of each other. Williams filed an application for ‘Iceman’ on March 16, signaling an intent to use the mark for a clothing brand, public appearances, and other related services. Four days later, on March 20, Gervin filed his own applications for ‘Iceman’ and ‘Iceman 44,’ also covering clothing, public appearances, as well as basketball camps and coaching.
Because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) evaluates applications based on the order in which they are received, Williams’ earlier submission gives him a procedural advantage. It is likely that the USPTO will approve Williams’ application while refusing Gevin’s based on the filing dates alone.
That said, per USPTO rules, Gervin would have the ability to challenge Williams’ applications.
If Williams’ application is approved, Gervin would have a 30-day window to formally oppose the application before the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. To succeed, he would need to demonstrate prior and continuous commercial use of ‘ICEMAN’ in connection with the goods or services at issue.