Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III filed paperwork to trademark the phrases "RG3" and "RGIII," but both of his filings have been opposed by the California-based off-road motorcycle racing suspension parts company Research Group 3, according to Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post (via NFL.com).
Robert Griffin III in trademark dispute over RG3
Motorcycle suspension parts company Research Group 3 is challenging the Redskins quarterback’s use of certain phrases.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
RGIII, the quarterback, is attempting to trademark the phrases for use on “shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, shorts, footwear, hats, caps, [and] athletic uniforms.” After the filing, Research Group 3 filed an extension with the Trademark Office to oppose Griffin; those extensions expire next week.
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Research Group 3, who have been endorsed by stars such as Travis Pastrana, say they aren’t seeking to profit off Griffin’s fame, but want to prevent any marketplace confusion between the two. Catherine Holland, who is representing Research Group 3, said, “We just want to clearly delineate the rights that each party has with regard to the phrase RG3.”
Trademark lawyer David Weslow, believes the company has a good case:
If they could show that those two different versions are close enough, and that they used the mark commercially in association with products or services that are similar enough to RGIII’s products or services, then they could have seniority.
Ultimately, the two sides could reach a coexistence agreement, with one of the two agreeing to stay out of certain product lines or one side paying royalties to the other. If no agreement is reached the case could advance to be heard by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
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