LSU forward Angel Reese, a beneficiary of the NIL era in college sports, recently faced a hurdle in trademarking her nickname, “Bayou Barbie.”
Reese and her representatives have decided not to appeal the denial by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office due to possible conflicts with the Barbie doll brand owned by Mattel.
Angel Reese was denied a copyright to her ‘Bayou Barbie’ nickname https://t.co/NbdF8oQpsu
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 21, 2024
Reese’s attorney, Darren Heitner, stated that they made the business decision to abandon the application since Reese has shifted away from selling Bayou Barbie merchandise.
Despite this setback, Reese continues to excel on the court, averaging 19.2 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
Her NIL value is estimated at $1.7 million, making her one of the top collegiate athletes in this regard.
She has secured numerous marketing opportunities, including deals with Coach, Bose, Raising Cane’s, Amazon, Airbnb, Reebok, and Beats by Dre.
Although she couldn’t trademark her nickname, Reese remains a prominent figure both on and off the court.
She recently showcased a new bold look on Instagram stories, donning curly red hair instead of her previous black straight hair, and is anticipated to debut this new look in her upcoming match against Auburn.
oh nothing just shooting with the legend! 🔥 @RealJayWilliams pic.twitter.com/tdvkyCuMPi
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) February 21, 2024
LSU basketball star Angel Reese has been denied the trademark for her nickname, “Bayou Barbie,” due to Mattel’s trademarks for the Barbie doll brand.
Reese’s trademark application was rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in November because of the “likelihood of confusion.”
Her legal team decided not to submit further evidence to support the case, and the 90-day window to respond has now expired.
Reese hoped to sell merchandise featuring the “Bayou Barbie” name, including clothing items such as shirts, hats, and shoes. However, the Barbie trademark already covers similar items.
Reese’s attorney explained that they chose not to pursue the trademark any further in order to avoid any unnecessary conflict with Mattel.
NEWS: LSU's Angel Reese 'Bayou Barbie' trademark filing has been denied, @PeteNakos_ reports. https://t.co/JKglFQBDO1 pic.twitter.com/uquwY58R4Z
— On3 (@On3sports) February 21, 2024
Despite losing out on the trademark, Reese remains one of the highest-earning college athletes through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.
She has partnerships with Reebok and Mielle Organics and was featured in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.
Reese’s journey highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by student-athletes in the NIL era.
Although she will miss out on potential merchandise earnings, Reese’s current NIL valuation stands at $1.7 million.
She has been a key player for the LSU Tigers, averaging 19.2 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
Her marketability in college sports is high, and she may consider staying for another season rather than turning pro.
As the NIL landscape continues to shape college sports, Reese’s situation showcases the intersection of athletics, branding, and entrepreneurship.
Fans reacted as follows:
She’s no Barbie.
— Buckeye (@Buckeye192710) February 21, 2024
I hope he said more #practice, less #socialmedia during the #season, #repeataschampions….
— BdayClubNyc LLC (@BdayClub) February 21, 2024
Hi, my name is Angel Reese and I am a massive racist!
— Kirk’s Evil Twin (@tory4heisman) February 21, 2024
Hey Angel! I see you met the Jay, the alleged VP of Sheryl Swoopes’ racism club! Did they recruit you to join it? You’d fit right in considering how much of a racist you are!
— Kirk’s Evil Twin (@tory4heisman) February 21, 2024
Wonder if he considers her “great” . I mean she has a ship so she must be😜
— Rusty Wilke (@RAWilke24) February 21, 2024
I see 2 legends 🔥🔥🔥
— Bahamiangyal (@bahamiangyal23) February 21, 2024
You're a bigger legend than he is.
— David Alan Garner (@leorabbit49) February 21, 2024
Please with the criticism. Jay said something women’s basketball folks took issue with, so he’s making amends with this. Good for him. He loves the game no matter who’s playing.
— Salty Sarsparilla (@SaltySarsparill) February 21, 2024
Two people who will never be remembered
— FullbackU (@u_fullback) February 22, 2024
Tell Jay to stop hating on Caitlin Clark.
— CFWB (@_CFWB_) February 22, 2024
I dare you to post a video of a logo 3 attempt!!!
— Hoes for the Hawks (@HawkeyeHoes69) February 21, 2024
Caitlin lives rent free in ur head huh!
— Hoes for the Hawks (@HawkeyeHoes69) February 21, 2024
Hey Angel, remember when you were stupid enough to think you’d successfully trademark “bayou barbie” despite Mattel having barbie trademarked for 3/4 of a century? Those GPA rumors must have been true!
— Kirk’s Evil Twin (@tory4heisman) February 22, 2024
