A heated dispute has emerged over the iconic ‘Iceman’ nickname, as Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams seeks to trademark the moniker. This move has drawn the ire of NBA legend George Gervin, widely known as the original ‘Iceman’.
«I’ve been the Iceman for over 40 years,» stated the 73-year-old Gervin. «I never imagined someone would try to trademark this name. It completely floored me.» Williams, 24, reportedly earned the nickname through impressive performances in the recent NFL season, culminating in the Bears’ first playoff victory in 15 years.
Williams Files First, Gervin Counter-Files
Williams’ team, Caleb Williams Holding Inc., initiated the trademark process by filing four applications for ‘Iceman’ with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 16. These applications cover a range of goods and services, including sports apparel, equipment, water bottles, and digital collectibles.
Gervin’s camp, Gervin Interests LLC, responded four days later, submitting two applications for ‘Iceman’ and ‘Iceman 44′. The number 44 signifies Gervin’s jersey number, which was retired by the San Antonio Spurs in 1987 and hangs from the arena rafters. Gervin explained he felt compelled to act after Williams’ filings, revealing that his own attempt to trademark the name in 2023 was thwarted by the unexpected death of his attorney.
UFC Legend Chuck Liddell Could Be a Third Factor
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben highlighted that the interpretation of trademark rights is key. Gerben noted that Gervin could argue prior public use and identification with the ‘Iceman’ brand. However, Williams currently holds an advantage due to filing his application first. If Williams’ application is approved, Gervin would have a 30-day window to file a formal objection.
Complicating matters further, UFC legend Chuck Liddell has also been awaiting approval for his own «Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell» trademark application since 2023. Expert Gerben suggested that the Patent and Trademark Office could potentially reject Williams’ application by referencing Liddell’s existing claim.
More Than Just One ‘Iceman’
Gerben also noted the «somewhat unusual» situation of three prominent athletes vying for the same nickname. This raises questions about what other well-known «Icemans» – such as former Formula 1 superstar Kimi Räikkönen, darts phenomenon Gerwyn Price, or basketball icon Wendell Alexis of Alba Berlin – might think of the dispute.
Gervin has received support from his former team, the San Antonio Spurs, where he played from 1974 to 1985 and later coached. The Spurs posted on X (formerly Twitter), declaring, «There’s only one Iceman!» Despite never winning a championship, Gervin accumulated numerous individual accolades throughout his active career and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players of all time.