Fernando Mendoza Files Trademark for ‘Nandolorian,’ Setting Up Potential Clash With Lucasfilm
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza has filed a trademark application for ‘Nandolorian,’ a nickname that quickly gained traction among fans after a lighthearted team video featuring veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The application, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on June 8th, seeks to protect the name as a brand of clothing.
The nickname originated during a comedy-style video released by the Raiders. In the skit, Cousins jokingly insisted on being called ‘Kirko Chains,’ prompting Mendoza to respond that he should be known as the ‘Nandolorian.’
The reference resonated with fans almost immediately.
Mendoza is known for his love of Star Wars, and the nickname fits naturally within the Raiders’ long-standing association with ‘Death Star’ imagery and space-themed branding. The moniker quickly spread across social media, and Mendoza was even gifted a custom jersey featuring the nickname.
While the videos and jokes may be harmless fun, the trademark filing could present an interesting legal dilemma.
Lucasfilm, a subsidiary of Disney and owner of 16 Mandalorian-centric trademarks, has spent years building and protecting trademark rights in the name associated with the hit Star Wars franchise.
Federal law requires trademark owners to actively police the marketplace and challenge uses that could weaken or dilute their rights.
If approved, Mendoza’s application would allow him to use the ‘Nandolorian’ trademark as a commercial clothing brand, potentially placing it in direct conflict with Lucasfilm’s existing rights to ‘The Mandalorian’ trademark.
As of the writing of this blog, Mendoza’s application remains pending before the USPTO.
How will Lucasfilm Respond to the ‘Nandolorian’ Trademark Filing?
Mendoza’s trademark filing for ‘Nandolorian’ will very likely get the attention of Lucasfilm and its parent company, Disney.
Ultimately, there is no circumstance in which Disney can allow this trademark to be registered.
It would dilute the company’s rights in ‘The Mandalorian’ trademark and weaken its ability to enforce it against third parties.
That said, federal trademark law allows parody.
Therefore, Fernando Mendoza can absolutely be called the ‘Nandolorian’ by fans and teammates. The Raiders can reference the nickname in videos, comedy sketches, and social media content. Those types of uses are generally viewed very differently under trademark law than launching a commercial brand and seeking trademark protection.
The issue arises here because Mendoza is not simply using a nickname. He is attempting to register a trademark for apparel.
To register the trademark, Mendoza would need to use it commercially in connection with apparel sales. That is precisely the type of activity that would concern Disney most.
The situation reminds me of the dispute between Patagonia and environmental activist and drag performer Pattie Gonia.
For years, Pattie Gonia used the name as her drag queen persona without litigation. But once Pattie Gonia filed a trademark application for branded merchandise, Patagonia took legal action. The company’s position was that the dispute had crossed from parody and commentary into commercial trademark use.
I see a similar distinction here.
Calling yourself the ‘Nandolorian’ is one thing. Selling ‘Nandolorian’ apparel as a standalone brand is another.
Because of that distinction, I would not be surprised to see Disney contact Mendoza and request withdrawal of the application. If the application advances through the USPTO’s examination process, an opposition proceeding would also be a realistic possibility.
For now, the filing appears to be another example of how a popular nickname can be perfectly acceptable in a parody use, yet run into significant obstacles once it enters the world of trademark registration and commercial merchandising.
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.
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