Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams 'Ice Man' trademark attempt denied

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams 'Ice Man' trademark attempt denied

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Jun 25, 2026 4:03 PM ET

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is one of the most marketable young stars in the NFL. This was clearly evident by the decision to have him on the cover of the popular video game, Madden 27. Entering his third year in the NFL, there is a great deal of hope that he will eventually become the greatest quarterback in Bears franchise history.

After all, he has done so many positive things already in his first two seasons. He already hold the franchise’s single-season record for passing yards, and led them back to a NFC North Division title last year.

He even already has a signature win in the NFL Playoffs, one against the hated Green Bay Packers. A win, of course, that saw him don a new nickname: “Ice Man.”

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams cannot trademark “Ice Man”

Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Earlier this off-season, it was reported that Williams was attempting to trademark the nickname “Ice Man.” This was met with some backlash due to Basketball Hall of Famer (and former Chicago Bulls player) George Gervin having had that nickname for decades. Gervin himself said he was going to fight for Williams not to be granted the trademark, and file for it himself.

As it turns out, Williams’ petition to have the “Ice Man” nickname trademarked was, indeed, denied. But not because of Gervin.

According to ESPN:

“It is not, though, due to an application by NBA Hall of Famer George Gervin or a trademark possessed by UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell. Instead, the USPTO saw too much similarity and a ‘likelihood of confusion’ in a trademark filed in 1988 by LaCrosse Footwear for insulated boots.”

Per the report, this is just the initial denial, and Williams can appeal the decision. Due to the rarity of the footwear that currently is trademarked, he has a good case for the initial ruling to be overturned.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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