Trouble could be behind the scenes for the O’Neal family, as NBA patriarch and legend Shaquille O’Neal’s Authentic Brands Group blocked his youngest son By Shaqir claims trademarks to his own name and image, according to documents viewed by The Shade Room.
ABG, of which Shaq is the second largest shareholder, has filed Notice of objection on July 15, essentially blocking his son’s trademark registration. Shaqir, a 19-year-old Texas Southern University Tigers own basketball player, is represented by Mine O Mine LLC.
The reason given for the notice was that their names were so similar that it could cause confusion, according to legal documents.
“Applicant’s Mark is identical or approximates to a Shaq Mark and the Applicant’s Mark is confusingly similar to a competitor’s Shaq Mark in visual, sound, and commercial impression,” reads the announcement. “Shaq signs are well known and they were famous long before the Applicant filed a Objection, filed on the basis of intended use.”
If his father’s filing goes through, Shaqir will have to withdraw his trademark application.
Lawyer: Shaq Blocks Son’s Trademark as a Business
While legal filings may suggest friction within the O’Neal family, attorney Josh Gerben revealed that it’s really an issue between the two’s management companies, not a personal one.
“So how likely is this the case?” Gerben tweeted. “Everything will be fine without trial. In fact, I’m shocked it has come this far. There is virtually no reason for the two companies with which Shaq is involved to bring a lawsuit against each other.”
Gerben added that “Shaqir now has 40 days (as of July 15) to submit his Answer.”
The case will most likely be settled out of court. None of the O’Neal men have made public comment on the incident since Friday.
Shaq has never shied away from being himself in the press, and even candidly admitted last year that his children were “a little annoyed with me” when he told them “we not rich. I rich.”
Shaq said to his children: “We are not rich, I am rich.”
Teach them work ethics.
– Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 27, 2021
“My children are older now. They were a bit annoyed with me, not really upset but they didn’t understand. I tell them all the time, ‘We’re not rich. I’m rich.'”
The 6-foot-7 striker looks ready to follow in his father’s footsteps and eventually play in the NBA, and likely won’t need his father’s financial backing.
@yourtrademarklawyer The main plot in the trademark application #shaquilleoneal vs his own son. Why shaq’s company opposes his son’s #trademark 🤷🏽♀️ But there are lessons in this hot topic. #yourtrademarklawyer #beautymarklawyer #intelligentproperty #copyright #smallbusinesstiktok #blackownedbusiness #nba #ncaa #nil #basketballchallenge
♬ original sound – LBJ
What do you think, Roomies? Should Shaq errands in his son’s business? Or is his agency suspected of blocking Shaqir’s trademark registration?
