A look into the legal filings show that more than 13 trademark applications have been filed by Bryant’s estate since May last year. The filings for trademarks are on a number of logos, apparel and footwear.
After starting his career as an Adidas endorser, Kobe Bryant remained faithful to Nike throughout his professional life. His partnership with Swoosh started in 2003 and lasted for almost 18 years.
Nike’s agreement with Bryant officially expired last week. According to Vanessa Bryant, the professional basketball player’s wife, the two sides could not come to an agreement which resulted in them parting ways.
“Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers. He pushed us and made everyone around him better. Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family,” the brand said in a statement.
Vanessa Bryant assured the basketball player’s fans through her Instagram stories that she would fight for them so that they get to wear Bryant’s products for years to come.
“I will continue to fight for that,” she wrote. “Kobe’s products sell out in seconds. That says everything.”
While it is unclear what Bryant’s family’s next steps are, big plans may be in the store for the brand.
According to Josh Gerben, intellectual property attorney, a look into the legal filings shows that more than 13 trademark applications have been filed by Bryant’s estate since May last year. The filings for trademarks are on a number of logos, apparel and footwear.
“The filings would suggest Vanessa is building an IP portfolio for a new brand launch,” said Gerben.
Gerben also informed that the filings were made under “intent to use,” which generally indicates that a business is being planned.
The full list of trademarks are as follows:
- Mamba and Mambacita
- Baby Mambas
- The Mamba logo
- Mambacita
- Lady Mambas
- Mamba League
- Mamba
- Lil’ Mambas
- Play Gigi’s Way
- The number “2” with a heart around it.
- Mamba logo in honor of his Hall of Fame induction.
- Bryant’s signature.
- Kobe Bryant
All of these points towards the fact that the Bryant family is planning to launch its own brand.
Nike was criticized for not handling Bryant’s merchandise as well as they should have. They released small quantities of merchandise only available through the SNKRS app.
Experts are of the opinion that if the Bryant family creates the merchandise, his fans around the world would benefit from it.
Image Credit: https://www.nba.com/kobe-bryant-tribute
Besides having grown up in the design Industry, Christiaan has advised some of the world’s largest companies on their branding & packaging designs. Has been the resident judge for design awards, and has spoken at numerous global design & marketing events. Christiaan founded the London office of the award-winning Cartils agency, and has founded the DesignBro.com platform.
