IP News: WEMBY? Not Without Victor: TTAB Affirms False Connection Refusal for NBA Star’s Nickname

The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board recently issued a precedential decision affirming an Examiner’s refusal to register WEMBY for athletic apparel. It is a rare precedential Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decision rendered under Sections 2(a) and 2(c) of the Lanham Act, which are not the frequent subjects of litigation.

5 minute read July 31, 2026 at 11:03 PM
By
Howard Shire and Matthew Ventricelli
IP News: WEMBY? Not Without Victor: TTAB Affirms False Connection Refusal for NBA Star’s Nickname

The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board recently issued a precedential decision affirming an Examiner’s refusal to register WEMBY for athletic apparel. It is a rare precedential Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decision rendered under Sections 2(a) and 2(c) of the Lanham Act, which are not the frequent subjects of litigation.

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