Trademark application for 'Las Vegas Raiders' filed: What does it mean?

Steven J. Gaither

Trademark application for 'Las Vegas Raiders' filed: What does it mean? image

The Raiders' latest move probably won't win them any more fans in Oakland.

The nomadic franchise has filed trademark applications for "Las Vegas Raiders" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, according to Forbes.com.

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The filing provides protection for education and entertainment services, clothing, mobile applications, football helmets, trading cards, jewelry and play figures.

The franchise has been linked to several cities as possible landing spots for relocation should the team decide to move again. U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) recently endorsed the proposed domed stadium in Las Vegas that could help lure the team to the desert.

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Filing an application doesn't mean the team is moving, at least not immediately. The San Diego Chargers filed a similar application for "LA Chargers" but have not moved. The Raiders, of course, have a history of moving, having started in Oakland, relocated to Los Angeles and then moved back to Oakland.

Steven J. Gaither