Overview
- The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a nonfinal refusal Thursday that blocked Williams’ word-mark for “Iceman” because it found a likelihood of confusion with LaCrosse Footwear’s 1988 federal registration for Iceman boots.
- Williams filed in March to register “Iceman” across clothing, sporting goods, athletic bags, water bottles, a website and entertainment services, while his separate Iceman logo application remains under initial review.
- Basketball Hall of Famer George Gervin and UFC veteran Chuck Liddell have also sought rights to the nickname, but the USPTO’s action cited only LaCrosse’s older boot registration as the immediate legal obstacle to Williams’ filing.
- Trademark lawyers say Williams can respond to the office action within the allowed period by narrowing goods, arguing the boot registration covers a limited product line, asking the USPTO to cancel LaCrosse’s mark if it is unused, or appealing the examiner’s finding.
- The refusal highlights how the trademark process treats consumer confusion across related goods and services, and it puts a pause on Williams’ plan to exclusively monetize the nickname while the parties decide whether to negotiate, narrow filings, or litigate.