Is Trademark Law Responsible for Washington Football Team's New Name?

Back in 2020, a previous post discussed the potential trademark hurdles facing the Washington NFL franchise when it decided to replace the name “Redskins”. In fact, trademark issues appear to be one reason that the team’s new name is the Washington Commanders.

In January 2022, the team first ruled out the names “Wolves” and “Red Wolves” due to potential trademark disputes, perhaps from Arkansas State University or Chattanooga Red Wolves SC who are among the sports teams currently known as “Red Wolves”.

From Team President Jason Wright:

Once we began looking into Wolves, however, we became aware of a notable challenge: trademarks held by other teams would limit our ability to make the name our own. And without Wolves, variations like RedWolves wouldn't have been viable either for these and other reasons.

Understanding the weight and importance of our team name, and excitement around other name options -- both internally and within our fan base -- we didn't want to risk going down a route that could be dotted with legal hurdles. The prospect of years of litigation wasn't something that we wanted you, our fans, to have to bear as you begin to embrace a new brand.

In February 2022, the team finally announced that it would be known as the “Washington Commanders”. Although a team known as the San Antonio Commanders briefly took the field in 2019, no live trademarks for “Commanders” in connection with a football team currently exist - which may have been one reason the team chose this new name.

Like the Washington Football Team, it’s important to consider potential names before starting a new business or changing your business’s name. If a name is already in use by another business and you are unable to negotiate a license agreement, it often makes sense to follow the example of the Commanders and choose another name altogether.