Warriors File New Trademark Application amid Washington NFL Nickname Buzz

The Golden State Warriors have filed a new trademark application regarding their nickname.

Legal expert Darren Heitner shared a copy of the application, which largely focuses on apparel that bears the Warriors moniker:

The step comes as the Washington NFL team explores a rebrand. According to the Washington Post's Rick Maese and Jake Russell, the franchise filed for a trademark on "Washington Warriors" in 2000. The name has been suggested as a possible replacement for Washington's current nickname.

The organization is moving away from its original nickname because critics had long argued it was racist and a derogatory term for Native Americans. Pressure from corporate partners proved to be the tipping point.

The Golden State Warriors leaned on Native American caricatures and imagery early in their history, first in Philadelphia and then briefly after moving to the Bay Area. They adopted the Bay Bridge as their primary logo starting with the 1969-70 season.

The Bay Area News Group's Jon Becker noted the Warriors couldn't stop the Washington NFL team from adopting that name since the franchises play in different leagues. Becker cited the Cardinals, Giants, Jets, Kings, Panthers and Rangers as nicknames shared by teams in different sports.

It's unclear when the Washington NFL team will decide on a new name.