USPTO Initially Refuses Caleb Williams 'Iceman' Trademark but Williams Can Appeal

The United States Patent and Trademark Office initially refused Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' application to trademark the word "Iceman" as of Wednesday, according to USPTO records reported by ESPN. The refusal rested on a "likelihood of confusion" with a trademark filed in 1988 by LaCrosse Footwear, an Oregon-based company that uses the mark for insulated boots and boot liners.

The USPTO stated that the marks are identical in appearance, sound and meaning, and that they would create the same commercial impression when used on the respective goods.

Williams had sought protection across multiple categories, including athletic bags, water bottles, sporting goods, a website, entertainment services and clothing. The USPTO applied the refusal broadly because of the clothing category. The refusal was unrelated to any prior claims by NBA Hall of Famer George Gervin or UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell.

USPTO data shows that 63.5 percent of recent initial trademark applications are turned down. Williams' separate application for an Iceman logo remains under initial review. He can appeal the word-mark refusal.

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben said Williams might have a strong case on appeal because the cited registration covers only insulated boots. Messages left with the trademark attorneys for Williams and LaCrosse Footwear were not immediately returned to ESPN.