Tom Brady’s attempt to trademark application denied
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office agrees with New York Mets fans: there’s only one “Tom Terrific,” and it’s not Tom Brady.
On Thursday, the USPTO denied Brady’s June request to trademark the “Tom Terrific” name, citing two reasons: it is a false connection and the name of a living individual.
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Now 74 years old, former MLB pitcher Tom Seaver was given the nickname during his 20-year MLB career; he spent 12 seasons with the Mets, and fans and the Mets organization were not happy that Brady wanted to co-opt the name for himself.
One business owner went as far as to scoop black beans onto a Brady jersey, saying the New England Patriots quarterback had been a “black spot” on New York City.
Related: Tom Brady at training camp, preseason in 2019
11 PHOTOSTom Brady at training camp, preseason in 2019See GalleryTom Brady at training camp, preseason in 2019
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady laughs with receiver Matthew Slater (18) after drills at the Detroit Lions NFL football training facility, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, in Allen Park, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and teammates congratulate wide receiver Maurice Harris (82) after his touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady winds up to pass during an NFL football training camp practice, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) watches quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) throw a pass during an NFL football training camp practice in Foxborough, Mass., Monday, July 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive lineman Michael Bennett, left, speaks with quarterback Tom Brady, right, during NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 28, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady steps on the field at the start of an NFL football training camp practice, Thursday, July 25, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass during an NFL football training camp practice in Foxborough, Mass., Monday, July 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is seen during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Thusday, August 8, 2019 (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
New England Patriots WR Demaryius Thomas (88) talks with QB Tom Brady (12) as they walk off the field after an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Thusday, August 8, 2019. (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 08:Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts after losing the coin toss prior to playing the Detroit Lions in a preseason game at Ford Field on August 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 08:Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts to his teams second quarter touchdown while playing the Detroit Lions during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Up Next
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After the brief uproar, Brady said he meant no disrespect to Seaver and that he didn’t like it when others called him “Tom Terrific,” so the filing was made to try to prevent others from using it.
It’s all a moot point now.
“Although Tom Seaver is not connected with the goods provided by applicant under the applied-for mark, Tom Seaver is so well-known that consumers would presume a connection,” the ruling states.
“As such, the applied-for mark TOM TERRIFIC is refused because it identifies a name of a particular living individual whose written consent to register is not of record.”
Brady will have to stick with “TB12.”
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