Tom Brady’s camp just got some not-so-terrific news about a trademark application they filed back in June.
Late Thursday, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected an application that Brady’s company, TEB Capital Management, filed to trademark “Tom Terrific” for use on trading cards and posters.
In the rejection ruling, the patent office noted that the nickname “points uniquely and unmistakably” to longtime New York Met Tom Seaver.
“Registration is refused because the applied-for mark consists of or includes matter which may falsely suggest a connection with Tom Seaver,” the ruling states. “Although Tom Seaver is not connected with the goods provided by applicant under the applied-for mark, Tom Seaver is so well-known that consumers would presume a connection.”
The ruling from the patent office does say Brady can have the trademark if Seaver gives written consent to the use and registration of his nickname, which probably won’t happen.
Somewhere in Queens, Mr. Met is smiling.
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