The Glacier Range Riders, a minor league baseball team based in Kalispell, Montana, are facing legal opposition from the U.S. Department of Interior over the use of an arrowhead logo. The department has filed a protest with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, claiming that the team’s logo is too similar to the one used by the National Park Service (NPS). The Range Riders applied for several trademarks and logomarks for the team, including an arrowhead with the letters “RR” in it. However, the Interior Department has argued that the arrowhead logo would be confused with the park service’s logo and create a false association between the two. The team has responded by stating that the arrowhead is a generic shape and should not be subject to exclusive ownership. They also pointed out that other organizations, including the Kansas City Chiefs football team, use the arrowhead symbol in their logos. Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of western Montana has questioned Interior Secretary Deb Haaland about the agency’s legal action, noting that other agencies, tribes, and teams use the arrowhead in their logos. Haaland stated that she was not aware of the action against the Range Riders and that she could not comment on ongoing litigation. The Glacier Range Riders have expressed their disappointment with the department’s actions and have vowed to fight for their right to use the arrowhead logo. The case is scheduled for a final hearing next year.
Interior Department’s Trademark Dispute with Glacier Range Riders over Arrowhead Logo
