Super Bowl XLII official mascot (see River Rats Mascot). Spike the Super Ball needs to change its name to avoid any possible trademark infringement. This human football mascot designed with snazzy mirrored sunglasses is now known as Team Captain Spike.

Why? There are two issues with regard to its name. Although there is no problem with the name Spike, Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee president Bob Sullivan said the NFL is quite bothered that “Super Ball” is confusingly similar with “Super Bowl”.

An NFL spokesman also emphasized their utmost concern to protect the NFL brand and it will muscle every company who do not adhere to their policies. Super Bowl has been around for 42 years and already a very commanding brand in the sports industry. As expected, it will do everything to guard its brand against any business “capitalizing on an intimated affiliation with the game.” To date, there are only 100 companies allowed to promote this brand.

Another bigger issue with “Super Ball” is with California-based toy maker Wham-O (see California Logo Company). Aside from its very popular Frisbee brand, it is also marketing “Super Ball” – a ball with the incredible super high bounce. A cease and desist letter was already sent to the committee to stop using this name.

Although there is a strong legal argument for using “Super Ball”, why risk confronting these two big companies if you can create a new name, right?

Via The Arizona Republic (see Arizona Logo Company)