Fernando Mendoza Files 12 Trademarks Ahead of NFL Draft

By Josh Gerben, Esq.

Published: April 20, 2026 Published: April 20, 2026

The presumed No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft just filed 12 new trademark applications with the USPTO.

Fernando Mendoza filed the applications on April 16, expanding a growing portfolio of legal protections around his name and emerging personal brand. The filings seek protection of the following marks:

• Mendoza 15
• Fernando
• Flippin’
• HE15Mendoza

In the applications, Mendoza indicated that he plans to use each trademark in connection with branded apparel, promotional services related to memorabilia and entertainment services tied to his career as a professional athlete.

The timing is deliberate.

With Mendoza expected to be selected No. 1 overall in the draft by the Oakland Raiders and merchandise demand likely to surge shortly thereafter, the filings establish what is known as a priority date, effectively reserving his place in line at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. That prevents others from attempting to register similar marks tied to his name before he has the chance to commercialize them.

Among the more notable filings is ‘Flippin.’ This is a reference to a viral postgame interview following Mendoza’s 2025 national championship victory, when he declared his team “flippin’ champs” on live television. The moment quickly entered the college football lexicon and appears to have evolved into a marketable nickname.

Another filing, ‘HE15Mendoza,’ appears to nod to his other nickname that he earned after winning the Heisman Trophy: “Heismandoza.” The file appears to sidestep the direct use of the word “Heisman,” which is a protected trademark owned by the Heisman Trophy Trust.

Mendoza’s applications will now enter the standard examination process at the USPTO. The initial part of the process typically takes six to seven months. At that point, the USPTO will issue a decision on whether the applications are approved or denied. If approved, Mendoza would then need to demonstrate actual commercial use of the marks, on products like apparel or in promotional efforts, before registrations are granted. The full process can take 12 to 18 months.

A Potential Problem with the ‘HE15Mendoza’ Trademark 

As for the trademarks themselves, the strongest filings here are the obvious ones: his name, ‘Mendoza 15,’ and even ‘Flippin.’ Those are distinctive enough (and clearly tied to him) that they should move through the USPTO without much resistance.

The more questionable one is ‘HE15Mendoza.’

Even though it avoids directly using “Heisman,” it’s clearly designed to evoke the word. And that’s where things could get complicated. The Heisman Trophy Trust owns multiple registrations around the ‘Heisman Trophy’ and has every incentive to police its rights.

Ultimately, trademark law rewards aggressive policing. If the Trust allows similar marks to coexist (such as ‘HE15Mendoza’), it risks weakening its own rights over time. So even if Mendoza has goodwill on his side as a recent trophy winner, that likely won’t matter. I would expect either a refusal from the USPTO or a formal opposition from the Heisman Trophy Trust.

Mendoza’s Trademark Strategy Should be Copied by Other Athletes

Zooming out, this is the bigger point:

Athletes today aren’t just athletes. They’re businesses.

And Mendoza is acting like one.

Mendoza’s trademark filings show a sophisticated, preemptive trademark strategy and it’s exactly what top athletes should be doing.

By filing before draft day, Mendoza is taking steps to protect his name before squatters or other nefarious activity reaches a fever pitch. The filing date matters more than people realize, as it’s the difference between sailing through the USPTO trademark registration process with ease and fighting someone else who filed it first. 

Moreover, Mendoza is setting the tone early. If another company wants to use his name, his number, or even his viral moments, they’re going to have to go through him and get a proper license. That’s how you prevent knockoff merchandise. That’s how you control licensing. That’s how you build long-term value and brand.

More athletes should follow this blueprint.

These filings have prepared Mendoza for the bright lights of the NFL draft. 

Now he can go enjoy his moment knowing that his brand is fully protected.

Trademarks Filed by Fernando Mendoza

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Josh Gerben, Esq.

Josh Gerben, Esq. is a nationally recognized trademark attorney and the founder of Gerben IP. Since launching the firm in 2008, he has overseen the registration of over 10,000 trademarks and handled over 1,500 trademark disputes. Josh's practice focuses on building and defending global trademark portfolios for clients. These clients include entrepreneurs, private equity-backed businesses, athletes, celebrities, and public companies. Frequently quoted by major media outlets like CNBC, CNN, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, Josh is widely regarded as a leading authority in trademark law.