NBA Hall of Famer George Gervin is opposing Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' attempt to trademark the nickname 'Iceman.' Gervin, who used the moniker throughout his career, filed his own applications shortly after Williams submitted his. The dispute heads to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
George Gervin, a Hall of Famer known as the 'Iceman' during his 14-year NBA career with the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls, has filed trademark applications to block Caleb Williams from securing rights to the same nickname. Williams, the Chicago Bears quarterback, earned the 'Iceman' label this past season through late-game heroics, including a celebration where he hugged his arms to his chest and made a 'brr' motion, signaling ice in his veins. Per the Chicago Sun-Times, Williams submitted four applications covering the name, a logo, and two silhouettes depicting a miraculous pass to Rome Odunze in the Bears' playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers. These would apply to various goods and services in commerce. Gervin filed for 'Iceman' and 'Iceman 44' just four days later, noting in his paperwork that he first used the nickname for goods and services in 1979—22 years before Williams was born. Jerald Barisano, president and CEO of Gervin Global Management, told the Sun-Times the delay stemmed from a misunderstanding after the death of a business associate, who he thought had already secured the trademark. 'We are hoping the inspectors will do the right thing,' Barisano said. 'All they've got to do is one Google search and they'll see hundreds and hundreds of articles on the 'Iceman,' George Gervin.' Gervin himself expressed respect for Williams, telling the Sun-Times: 'I've got nothing but respect for [Williams]. He's already proved greatness and his potential upside is great. Like an 'Iceman.' But that name is taken. … All I'm saying is: Young fella, we've already got one 'Iceman.''' The United States Patent and Trademark Office will review the requests, a process that can take a year or more, followed by a 30-day opposition period if approved. While athletes often share nicknames—such as LT for Lawrence Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson, or King for LeBron James and Henrik Lundqvist—the core issue here is trademark rights for commercial use.
