Shaquille O’Neal Stops Son Shaqir From Trademarking His Name & Likeness Because It’s Too Similar To His Own

August 6, 2022 by S. G. in Sports with 0 Comments

Shaquille O’Neal Stops Son Shaqir From Trademarking His Name & Likeness Because It’s Too Similar To His Own

Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq) is a known businessman, and his latest decision just might keep his son from following in his footsteps … at least for now.

The Authentic Brands Group of Shaquille O’Neal has prevented his 19-year-old son Shaqir, a basketball player for the Texas Southern University Tigers, from registering his name and likeness as a trademark. The reason for the move? Their names are too similar and might cause confusion.

According to the notice,

“Applicant’s Mark is the same or a close approximation of the Shaq Marks and Applicant’s Mark is confusingly similar to Opposer’s Shaq Marks in sight, sound, and commercial impression.”

It adds,

“The Shaq Marks are famous, and they were famous long before Applicant filed the Opposed Applications, which were filed on an intent-to-use basis.”

It’s no secret that Shaq O’Neal is one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.

Shaq to his kids: “We ain’t rich, I’m rich.”

Holding company, ABG-Shaq, the owner of “SHAQUILLE O’NEAL” & “SHAQ” registrations has filed a Notice of Opposition against his 19 yr. old son, Shaqir ? pic.twitter.com/ZjDPcjMcBj

— Clarissa | Trademark Attorney (@TheLawOfficeCH) July 25, 2022

The National Collegiate Athletic Association ruled in 2021 that college athletes can get paid for their name, image and likeness. At the time, NCAA President Mark Emmert said,

“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities. With the variety of state laws adopted across the country, we will continue to work with Congress to develop a solution that will provide clarity on a national level.”

In the event that the Shaq‘s filing were to go into effect, Shaqir would have to rescind his application.

The O’Neals have been the subject of rumors that they are at odds, but attorney Josh Gerben said the block is the result of earlier conflict between the management businesses.

Shaunie O’Neal

Shaqir is the youngest son of Shaq and his ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal. The former love birds are also biological parents to Shareef, 22, Amirah, 20 and Me’Arah, 15. Shaq also has a daughter, Taahirah, from a previous relationship, and adopted Shaunie’s son, Myles, 20, as his own.