SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has denied the NHL’s Utah Hockey Club’s application to trademark the name “Utah Yetis.” The refusal was communicated on January 9, due to the potential for confusion with existing brands that also use the name, particularly Yeti Coolers. News of this decision was initially reported earlier in the week.

The Utah Hockey Club has a three-month window to respond to what is categorized as a “nonfinal office action,” which allows them to keep their application active. Additionally, they can request a further three-month extension for their response.

The trademark application was aimed at allowing the team to market a range of apparel, including T-shirts, jerseys, sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, scarves, gloves, and leggings. The franchise, which previously operated as the Arizona Coyotes, relocated to Utah after being sold in April and is considered an expansion team. After their transition, the organization engaged fans by letting them vote on their preferred team name, ultimately narrowing the options down to six contenders, among which Yeti was a prominent choice.

In a statement shared by ESPN, Chris Armstrong, the president of hockey operations for Utah, clarified that the team’s immediate focus remains on completing the inaugural season as the UHC. Armstrong emphasized the team’s commitment to community involvement in the finalization of the naming and branding process. He reassured fans that they are on schedule to announce the team’s permanent name and identity before the commencement of the 2025-26 NHL season.