Caleb Williams wants to trademark his nickname “Iceman.” But that won’t be happening for now: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has initially rejected the Bears quarterback’s application—due to a conflict with a boot manufacturer.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams attempted to register his nickname “Iceman” as a trademark—but his application was initially rejected.

According to documents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the application was initially rejected. The reason: The agency sees too great a similarity to an existing trademark held by the footwear manufacturer LaCrosse Footwear, which has been using the name “Iceman” for insulated winter boots and corresponding insoles since 1988.

In its reasoning, the USPTO writes: “These trademarks are identical in appearance, sound, and meaning. (…) Furthermore, due to this identity, it is likely that they will convey the same meaning and commercial impression in connection with the respective goods and services of the applicant and the trademark owner.”

Caleb Williams can appeal the decision

Williams sought to secure “Iceman” for various product categories, including clothing, sporting goods, water bottles, bags, as well as entertainment and internet services.

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben told “ESPN”: “The agency is drawing a connection to the other products in Caleb’s application. It argues that the goods are related, even though this case actually only involves insulated boots, and Caleb wants to protect shirts, hats, pants, and many other items.”

However, the rejection does not mean the matter is definitively over. Williams can appeal the decision and try again to register the trademark.

Caleb Williams Weighs His Chances

Gerben sees a good chance for the Bears quarterback: “The trademark the agency is citing here apparently applies only to a very limited range of products—namely, insulated boots. It could therefore be more difficult for him to register ‘Iceman’ as a clothing trademark. However, he could still obtain registration for other parts of his application.”

A separate application by Williams for his own “Iceman” logo is still under review.