Oakland Raiders File Trademark Applications For Las Vegas Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have not officially made the move to Las Vegas, but a few trademark filings may serve as a sign for what is to come. On August 20, 2016, the Raiders filed trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the mark "Las Vegas Raiders." All of the filings, which span a variety of goods and service classifications, were filed with an intent to use the mark in commerce in the future.

A submitted trademark application is certainly not a guarantee that an NFL team is moving to a new location. In fact, the San Diego Chargers applied for the mark "LA Chargers," but have yet to leave San Diego. That said, these types of filings do serve to demonstrate that there is a true effort to at least strongly consider relocation.

The Raiders filed for "Las Vegas Raiders" protection in multiple distinct classes. They cover education and entertainment services, clothing, mobile applications, football helmets, trading cards, jewelry and play figures.

Timing of the filing of these trademark applications is important to note. Recently, U.S. Senator Harry Reid expressed his support for the creation of a Las Vegas domed stadium that would host the Raiders. The plan to create such a stadium is currently under review by the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee.

Perhaps the trademark filings indicate a switch in sentiment as to the potential of the Raiders actually finding their way out of Oakland and into the Las Vegas market. In late May, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that any talk of a move was premature and mere speculation. Yet, Raiders owner Mark Davis has remained committed to exploring the potential of shifting his team to Sin City.

"It's a new market," Davis said in late May. "It's got the potential to be a very exciting market. It's one of the places where, the Raider fans in northern California ... it's a neutral site. It's going to unite the Raider nation more than divide it. I've given my commitment to Las Vegas and if they can come through with what they're talking about doing, then we'll go to Las Vegas."

In the meantime, Davis and the Raiders organization are at least preparing for the potential of playing in Las Vegas through the filing of multiple trademark applications.

Darren Heitner is a lawyer and the Founder of South Florida-based HEITNER LEGAL, P.L.L.C., which has a focus on Sports Law and Entertainment Law.Follow @DarrenHeitner