Caleb Williams and George Gervin: The Dispute Over the Nickname “Iceman”
The Chicago Bears quarterback, Caleb Williams, is in the midst of a legal controversy. His attempt to register the nickname “Iceman” has sparked a dispute with NBA legend George Gervin, who is also known by that nickname. Gervin, a Hall of Famer and four-time NBA scoring champion, expressed his surprise upon learning that Williams had applied for the “Iceman” trademark.On March 16, Caleb Williams Holding Inc. filed four trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) related to the nickname “Iceman.” These applications include goods and services such as sporting goods, water bottles, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, caps, glasses, and downloadable posters, as well as digital trading cards. In response, on March 20, Gervin Interests LLC filed two trademark applications for “Iceman” and “Iceman 44”, the latter referring to the jersey number Gervin wore during his NBA career. The San Antonio Spurs retired Gervin’s number in 1987. A trademark lawyer, Josh Gerben, pointed out that the key issue is how trademark rights are interpreted. Gervin could argue that, although he did not register the trademark first, he has used it for longer than Williams. However, since Williams filed his application first, the USPTO could accept it and reject Gervin’s.I’ve been the “Iceman” for over 40 years. I never thought anyone would try to trademark it. It took me by surprise.
George Gervin
Barisano commented that they are not happy with the situation and that they will fight until the end.I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to talk. We are both men. I am older, he is younger. I’ve done some research on him and I know he respects older athletes. I hate this because he is a special young man who is about to ascend. His potential is great and yes, he has ice in his veins. But that name is already taken.
George Gervin
