California Chrome won the Preakness over the weekend. In a few weeks, it will have a chance at history, trying to win the Triple Crown.
But California Chrome is a registered trademark — for wheel accessories! See USPTO records for Registration No. 3521430.
This does not mean that the horse is infringing the company’s trademark. California Chrome might be a descriptive name in the wheel industry. And the horse racing business is pretty far removed from the wheel business.
However, I would not be surprised (in fact, I would bet on it!) if the owners of the California Chrome horse file a trademark application with the USPTO before the Belmont Stakes, given the possible merchandising and value of winning the Triple Crown.
