NFL Not Allowing Fan To Keep “Harbowl” Trademark

There is nothing more frustrating than having a grand idea and then let it be ruined. That is exactly what Roy Fox is experiencing after he thought that he had purchased the trademark rights to the phrase “Harbowl”. Last February after the AFC and NFC Championship games, Fox spent more than $1,000 to file for the trademarks “Harbowl” and “Harbaugh Bowl” in anticipation that Jim Harbaugh and John Harbaugh might actually face each other in the Super Bowl. “Right before the conference championship games last year, I thought to myself, ‘Can you imagine if these guys played each other?’” Fox said. “If Pat Riley would go through the trouble of trademarking ‘three-peat’, why shouldn’t I try this? Sounds like a fan who is being aware that two brothers coach strong NFL teams that would have Super Bowl aspirations year in and year out. One problem, though: the NFL is now saying no. Darren Rovell of ESPN is reporting that back in August, the NFL sent Fox a note saying that they were concerned that his recent trademarks could easily be confused with the NFL’s trademark of their Super Bowl. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy elaborated on the situation. “There were two questions asked of him,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. “Was he affiliated with any NFL teams? The answer was no. And was he in any way affiliated with the Harbaugh brothers? And that answer was no.” After having a conversation with the NFL, they encouraged Fox to drop his trademark. Fox said the NFL refused to give him any other alternative. What do you think: is the NFL wrong for this? Are they bullying again?