The Commanders Might Have To Change Their Name Again - Here's Why

The Washington Commanders hit a roadblock in cementing their new name.

According to attorney Josh Gerben, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) denied the organization's request to trademark "Washington Commanders." 

The rejection resulted in a "Commanders' Classic" trademark already existing for the annual college football game between Army and Air Force. A Washinton D.C. resident, Martin McCaulay, also filed trademarks for "Washington Space Commanders" and "Washington Wolf Commanders" before the NFL team re-branded to the Commanders last year.

McCaulay compiled trademarks for dozens of potential new Washington team names over the years. In a 2020 interview with ABC News, he said he started the hobby as a joke and offered the team free use of any of his trademarks. The actuary figured he was ever helping by expediting the process of trademark approval.

"They can just apply for all the trademarks using one of my names and apply for it," McCaulay said. "That doesn't even show up in front of a trademark attorney's desk for three months. So, anytime between then and three months, they can contact my attorney and tell me what do I need to do. I do not want to be an obstacle."

Gerben believes the USPTO would "likely" drop its refusal on account of the Commanders' Classic trademark if Washington files a response. The Commanders can argue they're unlikely to create confusion with the college football rivalry. 

They can also attempt to buy the rights or sign a co-existence agreement.

Gerbben ultimately thinks Washington can resolve these problems before considering another name change. Then again, maybe new ownership wouldn't mind signifying a clean slate from the Dan Snyder regime with a new name.