USPTO Adds NIL Trademark Resources for Athletes

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office released additional resources on its NIL page to help student-athletes and brand owners understand how federal trademark registration can provide nationwide protection when name, image, and likeness functions as a mark.

The materials address common questions about registering NIL-related marks and emphasize the benefits of federal registration beyond state-level rights. The update comes amid growing commercial use of NIL by college athletes following changes in NCAA policy.

The office continues to expand educational content on the topic to support both individual rights holders and companies seeking to partner with athletes.