The Battle for “Iceman”: Caleb Williams vs. George Gervin
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is in the midst of a legal controversy over the attempt to register the nickname “Iceman”. NBA legend George Gervin, who is also known by that nickname, has expressed his surprise and concern about this situation.
Gervin, a Hall of Famer and four-time NBA scoring champion, shared his reaction upon learning of Williams’ trademark application. “It took me by surprise,” commented Gervin, who has used the nickname “Iceman” for over four decades.
I’ve been the Iceman for over 40 years. I never thought anyone would try to register it. Somehow he took me out of the game.
George Gervin
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 cover goods and services such as sporting goods, water bottles, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, hats, eyewear, and downloadable posters and 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.
According to trademark lawyer Josh Gerben, a key factor in this case is how trademark rights are interpreted. Gervin could argue that, although he did not register the trademark, he used it before Williams, even though the latter filed the application first. However, since Williams filed his application first, the USPTO could accept it and reject Gervin’s.George Gervin expresó su deseo de encontrar una solución con Caleb Williams en relación a la disputa por la marca “Iceman”. “Él tiene hielo en las venas. Pero ese nombre ya está ocupado”.The decision on this matter is expected to take several months. If Williams’ request is accepted, Gervin will have 30 days to file a formal opposition and argue that the trademark should not be registered due to its prior use.
Jerald Barisano, President and CEO of Gervin Global Management, announced that they plan to file an opposition with the USPTO if Williams’ trademark application is approved and theirs is not. Furthermore, legal action will be considered in the future.
Another element to consider is the trademark application filed in 2023 by UFC legend Chuck Liddell for “Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell”. The USPTO could determine that this mark is similar to those of Williams and Gervin.
Gerben commented that it’s “a bit unusual” that three prominent athletes use the nickname “Iceman”.
The Spurs expressed their support for Gervin through their X account, posting an image of Gervin sitting on a throne of ice blocks with the text: “There’s only one Iceman.”
Gervin revealed that he was forced to apply for the trademark after learning that Williams had already done so. Gervin and Barisano tried to register “Iceman” in 2023, but the lawyer they hired to file the application passed away.
Gervin expressed his desire to find a solution between both parties. “I am sure that he and I will have the opportunity to talk,” said Gervin. “We are men. I am an older man. He is a younger man. Investigating a bit about him, I discovered that he respects older athletes. I hate this because he is a special young man about to emerge. His potential is enormous and he has ice in his veins. But that name is already taken.”
Barisano added: “We are not happy and we will let this develop, but we will not run away from this guy. We are going to fight him tooth and nail until the end.”
