Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams runs into offseason roadblock

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is an ascending star in the NFL, but even superstars can run into hangups.

That's especially true when it comes to trademarks, as the soon-to-be third-year quarterback is finding out.

According to Michael Rothstein of ESPN, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has initially refused Williams' application for trademark of the word "Iceman."

Strangely enough, the USPTO felt that the Bears' quarterbacks' request was too similar to a 1998 trademark filed by LaCrosse Footwear for insulated boots.

"These marks are identical in appearance, sound and meaning," the USPTO wrote in its refusal letter, per ESPN. "... Additionally, because they are identical, these marks are likely to engender the same connotation and overall commercial impression when considered in connection with applicant's and registrant's respective goods and/or services."

You can apply for a trademark in multiple categories, including clothing, but Williams also applied for the trademark when it comes to athletic bags, water bottles, sporting goods, a website and in entertainment services.

Caleb Williams was the "Iceman" in 2025 for Chicago Bears 

It's worth noting that 63.5% of initial trademark applications have been turned down according to recent USPTO data, so it's not like this is a huge surprise.

Notably, Williams still has a trademark application out for an Iceman logo, which is separate from the word, and that is still under initial review.

He can appeal the decision, and perhaps he has a case.

"The registration that they're citing here is for obviously a very limited product line. Literally insulated boots," trademark attorney Josh Gerben told ESPN. "Look, it might be harder for him to get Iceman registered for a brand of clothing items because of that, but there's other things in his application that he could possibly still wind up with a registration here."

Williams made a name for himself in 2025 for making a play with the game on the line multiple times. He was clutch, without a doubt, which earned him the "Iceman" nickname.