USPTO initially denies Caleb Williams' Iceman trademark

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been initially denied a trademark for his "Iceman" nickname by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The refusal, issued on June 24, 2026, stems from a conflict with a long-standing trademark held by footwear company LaCrosse for a line of insulated boots.

The USPTO found the marks identical in appearance, sound, and meaning, creating a likelihood of confusion with LaCrosse's existing registration, which dates to 1988. The office's refusal letter stated the identical marks would likely engender the same commercial impression. The decision was not related to other athletes who share the nickname, such as UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell or NBA Hall of Famer George Gervin, who also has a pending trademark application for "Iceman."

Williams, who earned the nickname for his calm demeanor during late-game situations in the 2025 season, filed the application earlier this year. He sought exclusive branding rights across a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, footwear, athletic bags, water bottles, sporting goods, sunglasses, and digital trading cards. His attorneys described the move as a defensive strategy to prevent...