Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has had his initial trademark application for the word "Iceman" refused by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, according to a report from ESPN’s Mike Rothstein.
The rookie quarterback, who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, sought to trademark the nickname for use on a variety of merchandise and apparel items, including shirts, sweatshirts, and hats. The USPTO's initial refusal is a standard part of the trademark process, often occurring when a mark is deemed too similar to existing trademarks or lacks sufficient distinctiveness for the requested categories.
Caleb Williams has been associated with the "Iceman" moniker throughout his record-breaking collegiate career at Oklahoma and USC. This filing was an effort to formalize his brand identity as he begins his professional career in Chicago. While the initial application was not approved, the quarterback’s legal representatives typically have a window to respond to the office's concerns, provide further evidence, or amend the filing to seek approval.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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