According to a new report from Forbes, the Oakland Raiders have filed trademark papers for the name “Las Vegas Raiders.”
The team reportedly filed the paperwork on Aug. 20. This is among a number of moves the team has made that show it has serious interest in moving to the Sin City.
By filing the trademark, the Raiders protect themselves from a number of different things.
The Raiders filed for “Las Vegas Raiders” protection in multiple distinct classes. They cover education and entertainment services, clothing, mobile applications, football helmets, trading cards, jewelry and play figures.
It also continues to show how much Oakland is looking into relocating. So far, the team has sent out a survey to fans to gauge their interest in a possible team. The biggest hold up in a possible move would probably be the stadium. The most recent stadium plan is currently under review by the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee.
As for the rest of the NFL, multiple owners have come out and said they would support having the Raiders in Las Vegas. Fans and business owners seem to support this idea also. One strip club in Vegas offered free lap dances to Raiders players if they do indeed make the move.
The Raiders aren’t the only team to trademark the team of a possible new location. The San Diego Chargers applied to trademark the names “Los Angeles Chargers” and “LA Chargers.”
It appears that the Rams move to Los Angeles might have just been a starting point for NFL relocation. The next year or two will be interesting to watch.
[Forbes]
