For the Kansas City Sports Bar Partnership
Complete protection for restaurant services AND entertainment
Highly likely to succeed
The nickname has been associated with you for decades, it's distinctive, and there don't appear to be any obvious conflicts. This is exactly the kind of mark that should be protected.
One-time investment to protect your brand in 2 classes (includes attorney fees and filing)
From filing to registration certificate
Averaged over 20 years (including renewals for 2 classes)
Exclusive rights across all 50 states
You need 2 trademark classes for the sports bar partnership:
• Class 43: Restaurant and Bar Services ($350) - Covers food & beverage service
• Class 41: Entertainment Services ($350) - Covers sports viewing, events, Nick's brand ambassador role, and appearances
Why both? A sports bar is both a restaurant AND an entertainment destination. Class 41 also protects Nick's speaking business as a bonus!
Comprehensive trademark search to confirm availability. Retain trademark attorney.
Attorney prepares and submits application to USPTO. You receive serial number immediately.
Examining attorney reviews your application. May issue office action if issues arise.
Approved mark published for 30-day opposition period. Public can object (rare).
Certificate issued. "Nick the Kick" is officially federally registered. You can use ® symbol.
Exclusive nationwide rights. Ability to sue infringers in federal court. Legal presumption of ownership.
Increases brand credibility. Creates valuable intellectual property asset. Can be licensed for revenue.
Complete coverage for "Nick the Kick Bar" - both restaurant operations AND entertainment/sports viewing services.
Protects Nick's appearances, meet-and-greets, promotional activities, and celebrity presence at the bar.
Class 41 also covers Nick's keynote speaking and motivational presentations - double value from one filing!
Without both classes, competitors could open sports entertainment venues using similar names. This closes that gap.
Strengthens your claim to nickthekick domains. Helps fight cybersquatters. Protects online presence.
Use the registered trademark symbol. Shows seriousness and professionalism. Deters potential infringers.
Getting started is easier than you think
Recommended: File BEFORE book launch in December
Shows serious commitment to brand protection
The bar should cover ALL trademark costs.
This is standard practice in licensing deals. The bar is investing in their brand identity, and the trademark protects their business concept.
Nick pays: Licensing attorney ($2,500-$5,000) to negotiate the deal
Bar pays: All trademark filing and maintenance costs
Nick owns: The trademark (bar gets exclusive LICENSE to use it)
✅ Bar CAN use "Nick the Kick" name
✅ Bar CAN use the ™ symbol (trademark claim)
✅ Bar CAN proceed with buildout and marketing
✅ Nick CAN make appearances as brand ambassador
❌ Cannot use ® symbol (only after registration)
Class 43 (Restaurant/Bar): Protects serving food and beverages
Class 41 (Entertainment): Protects sports viewing, events, Nick's appearances, and brand ambassador role
A sports bar is fundamentally an entertainment destination that happens to serve food. Without Class 41, competitors could use "Nick the Kick" for sports entertainment venues.
Bonus: Class 41 also protects Nick's speaking business!
✅ 18 years in NFL as kicker
✅ Chiefs Hall of Fame
✅ Nickname used since 1980s
✅ Strong public association with you
✅ No apparent conflicts found
$2,800-$4,600 protects "Nick the Kick" for the sports bar partnership (and your speaking business as a bonus).
The bar should cover these costs as part of the licensing deal.
It protects the bar's branding investment AND Nick's brand ambassador role. It prevents competitors from using your name for sports entertainment.
This isn't an expense for the bar. It's protecting their entire concept.
USPTO Trademark Assistance Center
Phone: 1-800-786-9199
Website: uspto.gov/trademarks
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
Please consult with a qualified trademark attorney for specific guidance.
