Investment Firm, A&M QB In Battle For ‘Johnny Football’ Trademark

The USPTO dealt a blow to a College Station, Texas investment firm that tried to earn the rights to the nickname “Johnny Football,” saying the name refers to an individual who has not given consent for the trademark. Kenneth R. Reynolds Family Investments applied for the trademark weeks ahead of Johnny Manziel, the Texas A&M Heisman-winning quarterback who will participate in the NFL draft this year, who is commonly referred to as “Johnny Football.” Reynolds argued that “Johnny Football” does not refer to an individual but, in a letter, the USPTO rejected that claim. According to ESPN, the firm plans to appeal.