It’s hard to believe any fans went to Vegas Golden Knights games this season expecting a parachute expedition and were shocked a hockey game broke out, but in this day in age, who knows? The U.S. Army sure did. However, any potential confusion has been nipped in the bud as the Golden Knights and the U.S. Army entered into a trademark agreement Thursday morning.
The U.S. Army parachuters, also referred to as “Golden Knights,” and the Vegas pro hockey team Golden Knights have agreed to share the trademark for the team name, as announced by owner Bill Foley. Both “teams” have agreed to use their respective name and there will be no dispute over the name from either side. The “co-existence agreement” allows the VGK to file for trademark rights, while still allowing Army to use the “Golden Knights” moniker.
The U.S. Army had an issue with the Vegas team’s name at the beginning of the season, and some feared if they took it to court, the Vegas Golden Knights would have to change their name and logo. Basically anything with “Knight” in it would be a distant memory, just like the Atlanta Thrashers.
Foley, being the genius that he is, was able to work his magic and use his West Point-rooted Army blood to keep the name that the Las Vegas valley has grown to love. It also helps he is a graduate of West Point and is the biggest donor to its athletic program. Foley once gave a $15 million donation, and his name is on its athletic center, which opened in 2007.
“We are pleased that we have agreed to coexist regarding the use of the ‘Golden Knights’ mark and name,” Foley said in a statement.
It was no secret that when Foley was trying to decide a name for the new Las Vegas expansion team, he wanted to tie in his Army roots. There wasn’t a significant chance they would lose the trademark battle, but it would be an embarrassment if they had to change the name after the first year.
“The filing to withdraw the opposition removes the final barrier for the Golden Knights trademark application,” said Josh Gerben of Gerben Law, a trademark firm based in Washington, told ESPN. “The trademark will now register in about 60 days.”
Some fans were concerned. Some weren’t. The success the Golden Knights experienced this past season surely had to play a role in the agreement staying cordial. If the U.S. Army attacked the darling of the sports world, imagine the backlash. It’s good for all parties this deal was facilitated and everyone can move on. Perhaps even bring the U.S. Army into the VGK fold.
Maybe we could have a few airborne members join the Flying Elvises and add to the already epic Golden Knights pregame.
So breath easy, Vegas Golden Knights fans. There’s no need to throw out all that VGK swag. In fact, it’s time to head over to The Armory to snag another hat and Golden Knights puck because the logo, name, all of it, are here to stay.
