Can I Trademark a Sports Team Name?

In short: Yes, you can trademark a sports team name. "New York Yankees" is a registered trademark for a line of sports exhibitions. Sports team names often serve as the name of a business. It is considered common practice to trademark the name to prevent abuse or misrepresentation of the business by people who wish to defame the organization or cash in on the team’s success.

This information was provided by our founding attorney, Xavier Morales, Esq.

Trademarking a Sports Team Name

In order to trademark a team name you must prove to the United States Patent and Trademark Office that the team name serves as an identifying feature of your services. This is typically a very straightforward process, as one of the classes that you can file for protection under specifically sports exhibitions.

Trademarking Your Team Name

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The Steps to Getting a Team Name Trademark

Step 1: Perform A Comprehensive Search

We will conduct a thorough trademark search to ensure your desired mark doesn’t closely resemble existing registered trademarks. Seeking an attorney's help can aid in identifying both exact matches and "confusingly similar" marks, as they have access to various databases and can discern subtle distinctions.

Step 2: File the Trademark Application

After due diligence, we file a trademark application through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) or its alternative, TEAS Plus. The choice between these two can impact costs and requirements; we'll provide guidance on this decision and help navigate the complexities.

Step 3: Monitor Your Application

Once the application is submitted, expect a waiting period of 4 to 6 months for feedback from the USPTO. While the initial response might be an approval, there's a possibility of receiving an Office Action or denial, but amendments can typically be made and refiled.

Step 4: Finalize Your Registration

Upon application approval, the trademark will be published in the Trademark Official Gazette for 30 days, allowing potential opposition from other companies. If opposed, the case might proceed to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). If unopposed, a certificate of registration will be issued, but ongoing maintenance is essential to preserve trademark rights.

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About the Author

Xavier Morales, Esq.

Mr. Morales founded his trademark law practice in January 2007 with the goal of providing intellectual property expertise to entrepreneurs and businesses around the country. Since then, he has filed more than 6,000 trademarks with the USPTO. You can learn more about Xavier here.

Can I Trademark a Sports Team Name?

Trademarking Your Team Name

More Common Trademark Questions

The Steps to Getting a Team Name Trademark

Step 1: Perform A Comprehensive Search

Step 2: File the Trademark Application

Step 3: Monitor Your Application

Step 4: Finalize Your Registration

About the Author

Xavier Morales, Esq.

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