The NFL or the Soprano Family?

I'm sure the NFL would have taken this as far as they could. The Harbaughs, however, may be a different issue. Not every state has the right to publicity. California does, but Maryland does not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_rights

(Yes, I know, it's wikipedia).

Now, if the Harbaughs trademarked their name, then I'd think they'd have a really good case.

 

Blog post doesn't say either way. The post made it seem like the guy caved in at the first letter from the league.

 

Maybe that's because the guy has no case, Baron.

 

I think their residences are in California and Michigan.

 

Or, the guy has a case, but was told that it would cost him a considerable sum and a lot of years and a lot of stress to defend it.

Charlie Sheen's catchphrases, for example, caused a stir a couple of years ago because people were going to the U.S. Trademark Office and registering it for themselves.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/charlie-sheen-catchphrases-prompt-trademark-168810

 

I think there's a pretty big difference between having a legitimate enterprise long before a given term was coined (or came into wide use) and trying to create something to make a quick buck.

 

That a guy is fined more for his socks being low than someone making a dangerous play says all you need to know about the NFL. It's corporate partners are more important than the players on the field.