AFL unwilling to transfer trademark rights, Spokane IFL team to re-brand
October 19, 2015 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, Washington - The Spokane IFL franchise released a statement today regarding the organization's previous Spokane Shock trademark and logo rights as a member of the Arena Football League.
Since the announcement of the organization's transition to the Indoor Football League last month, team ownership has been in continuing discussions with the AFL in regard to the acquisition of the Spokane Shock name and trademark.
As a part of the team's former membership within the af2 and AFL, intellectual properties are owned by the Arena Football League consisting of team names and trademarked logos.
Nader Naini of IFL Partners LLC said, "Despite our best efforts with the AFL, they are unwilling to let us continue with the team name this franchise has used since 2006. We're sorry it didn't work out but as many of you know, this is not unprecedented in professional sports.
Nonetheless, our history will remain as a part of the community and our dedication to the city of Spokane will continue as will the excitement and passion that you have come to know over our last ten seasons.
A new era has begun in Spokane and soon we will be releasing information on possible new names for our newly branded football team. We expect it to be a fun process and we will invite our fans to be part of the decision.
The last ten years have been great. The next ten years will be even better! Thank you all for your support."
The team plans to release information later today (Monday, October 19) for a "Name the Team" contest. Fans will be welcomed to make suggestions on the team name as well as logo development as the Spokane indoor football franchise prepares for their inaugural season as a member of the Indoor Football League in 2016.
• Discuss this story on the Indoor Football League message board...
Indoor Football League Stories from October 19, 2015
- Titans Expand Ownership Group - Cedar Rapids River Kings
- Spokane IFL Franchise Holding Name the Team Contest - Spokane Shock
- AFL unwilling to transfer trademark rights, Spokane IFL team to re-brand - Spokane Shock
- Minnesota Havok Signs Pair - Minnesota Havok
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
