The National Football League has several outstanding teams in the AFC West division, including the Kansas City Chiefs. The team was founded in 1960 under the name ‘‘Dallas Texans’’ by entrepreneur Lamar Hunt and was a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). In the spring of 1963, the team relocated to Kansas City and assumed its current name. While they were one of the founders of the AFL, the Chiefs joined the NFL due to the merger in 1970, and the team is valued at over $2 billion.
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to enjoy a treasured place in America’s heart and won the Super Bowl recently (in 2019) led by Andry Reid and Patrick Mahomes. They’ve come a long way from playing (and losing 35-10) in the first-ever Superbowl. It was the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game, and the Chiefs were representing the AFL. The game was played in LA in front of 61,000 fans.
It’s unsurprising that the Kansas City Chiefs are tightening up their trademarks at the moment. Since the disclosure of the relationship between tight-end Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift, the sales of Kelce’s jersey spiked 400%. After gaining more than 1.1 million Instagram followers in the three weeks since it was rumored the two were dating, Kelce has filed for five trademarks himself, according to trademark attorney, Josh Gerben.
The trademarks filed are: “Travis Kelce”, “KILLATRAV”, “ALRIGHT NAH”, “FLIGHT 87”, and “KELCE’s CRUNCH” and will cover clothing, pins, bobbleheads, posters, and more. Amongst these trademarks are Travis’ Instagram handle, “KILLATRAV”, while “FLIGHT 87” refers to the two-time Super Bowl champion’s jersey number and charity, 87 & Running Foundation. “ALRIGHT NAH” refers to the popular catchphrase Kelce has adopted on his New Heights podcast that he co-hosts with his brother (and Philadelphia Eagles football player) Jason Kelce.
Due to such a drastic increase in Kansas City Chiefs merchandise, vendors who sell Chiefs products have been warned to continue to abide by trademark regulations and laws to ensure they’re not infringing on any trademark protections. It appears that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship has made both the player and team think more about their trademarks and how they can capitalize on their newfound popularity.
All 16 Kansas City Chiefs Trademarks From A-Z
- 65 TOSS POWER TRAP PRODUCTIONS
- 7
- ARROWHEAD
- CHIEFS
- CHIEFS KINGDOM
- KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
- KANSAS CITY CHIEFS KC
- KC
- KC BLONDE ALE
- KC WOLF
- KINGDOM BLONDE ALE CHIEFS
- KINGDOM BLONDE ALE KC
- Logo #1
- RED COATERS
- RED FRIDAY
- THE PAVILION AT ARROWHEAD
Famous Kansas City Chiefs trademarks
In addition to being a Super Bowl winner and fan-favorite, the Kansas City Chiefs have a selection of intellectual property registered under the name ‘‘Kansas City Chiefs Football Club, Inc’’. Let’s look at their most important trademarks.
Chiefs Kingdom
The Chiefs Kingdom is a popular rewards program offered by the Kansas City Chiefs via their website Chiefs.com. Following its first use in 2013, the wordmark “Chiefs Kingdom” was registered in 2015 in the following categories:
- Clothing, particularly T-shirts
- Sports and entertainment news and coverage broadcast online
Red Coaters
The “red coaters” trademark is related to the Kansas City Red Coaters, a community-based organization comprised of individuals and working professionals who are passionate about the football club and the ability to give back to the city and region. The organization was founded by Lamar Hunt and is based at the Arrowhead stadium.
Following its first use in 1963, this wordmark was registered in 2015 in just one category:
- Volunteer program dedicated to promoting the interests of people involved and concerned with professional football games and charitable initiatives
Kansas City Chiefs
Like most football teams, the Chiefs have registered their team name with the trademark office. Following first use in 1963, the trademark registration was completed in 2005 in the following categories:
- Education and organization services related to exhibitions and professional football games
- Clothing, including T-shirts, jerseys, sweatshirts, and footwear
- Jewelry, accessories, pins, and watches
- Toys and sporting goods, including Christmas decorations, plush toys, trading cards, and more
- Posters and magazines related to professional football
Football helmet logo
Like most NFL teams, the Chiefs have a football helmet logo. Their unique logo consists of a helmet with the letters ‘‘KC’’ inscribed on the side. The logo, first registered in 1994 (following first use in 1970), is registered for use in the following categories:
- Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing and footwear
- Stationary and printed matter related to football, including trading cards, newsletters, magazines, and notebooks
KC logo
The KC logo, seen on various Chiefs merchandise and advertising material, comprises the letters “KC” in the outline of an Arrowhead. The logo was officially registered in 2005 following its first use in 1963 and applies in the following categories:
- Football helmets
- Covers for electronics and cellphones
- Posters, calendars, and trading cards
- Professional sports games broadcast via TV
- Goods and services such as clothing for men, women, and children
- Jewelry, watches, and accessories
- Toys and sporting goods
- Educational services and entertainment services related to the organization of professional football events
Read more on trademarking your logo
Arrowhead
Related to their logos and merchandise, The Kansas City Chiefs submitted a trademark application with the USPTO for the wordmark ‘‘Arrowhead’’ in 2008. The trademark filing applies to:
- Promoting the goods and services of others by arranging for sponsors to affiliate their goods and services with sports competitions and sporting activities
- Entertainment services, namely, professional football games and exhibitions, and college football games and exhibitions, are performed before live audiences and broadcast via television, cable television, satellite television, radio, and online
65 Toss power trap productions
Following its first use in 2010, the wordmark ‘‘65 Toss power trap productions’’ was registered in 2013 in the following categories:
- Providing sports and entertainment information via a global computer network; organizing and filming live shows featuring football
- Television broadcast and transmission services
KC blonde ale logo
This mark includes the letters KC contained within an Arrowhead above the words ‘‘Blonde Ale’’ and is related to the blonde ale beer product that the Kansas City Chiefs sponsor. The trademark registration was completed in 2020 in:
- Goods and services; beer
The Pavilion at Arrowhead
Following its first use in 2001, the registration for this wordmark was filed in 2006. It’s registered for use in:
- Providing banquet and social function facilities for special occasions and catering to provide food and beverages
Red Friday
Red Friday represents a significant Kansas City tradition – it’s a time for locals to get together to support the Kansas City Chiefs and support local families in need. The official registration date for the wordmark ‘‘Red Friday’’ was in 2015, though the first use dates back to 1992. Red Friday is registered in the following categories:
- Provision of education and entertainment, particularly in conducting and organizing exhibitions and professional football games
- Entertainment services, namely, fan clubs engaged in cheering, chanting, singing, and other motivational activities for entertainment, amusement, and recreation in connection with professional football games, sports exhibitions, and other special events
KC Wolf
The KC Wolf wordmark is related to the official mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs. The mascot was first seen in 1989 as the successor for their first mascot, a horse named “Warpaint”. The wordmark for “KC Wolf” was first registered in 1992 for:
- Entertainment services provided by a costumed character/mascot
Arrowhead logo
In addition to the Arrowhead wordmark mentioned earlier, the Chiefs own the rights to an Arrowhead logo which consists of the word ‘‘Arrowhead’’ written in a stylized font in red and yellow. Since 2008 the logo has been registered for use in the following categories:
- Promoting the goods and services of others by arranging for sponsors to affiliate their goods and services with sports competitions and sporting activities
- Entertainment services include professional football games and exhibitions, and college football games and exhibitions, whether performed for a live audience or broadcast via cable, satellite, radio and global computer networks
Wrapping up
The KC Chiefs have a unique history in sport; being one of the founding members of the AFL and playing in the first Super Bowl means that few can claim their longevity. Over decades in the game, they’ve amassed an impressive level of wealth – over 2 billion dollars.
Protecting your trademarks is as crucial as protecting your home or business. Part of this immense value will be in sponsorship value and intellectual property, which is why it’ll surprise no one to know that the Kansas City Chiefs are fairly prolific trademark owners. Since their first trademark filing in the early 1970s, the Chiefs have registered 23 trademarks in various categories. If you need any help with learning more about trademarks or filing for one, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a trademark attorney who can help you quickly and efficiently.
