Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is making moves off the field. The No. 1 pick has filed a trademark application for his new nickname, "Nandolorian," after the moniker went viral in the team's schedule-release video. But legal experts say the path to owning that name is anything but clear.
According to trademark attorney Josh Gerben, Mendoza submitted the application on Monday, hoping to capitalize on the buzz. The nickname, a playful mashup of his first name and the "Mandalorian" from Star Wars, was coined in a spoof with veteran QB Kirk Cousins. However, Disney and Lucasfilm hold multiple trademarks for "Mandalorian," and Gerben warns that "there is no circumstance in which Disney can allow this trademark to be registered."
The key issue is whether the use qualifies as parody. "Calling yourself the 'Nandolorian' is one thing. Selling 'Nandolorian' apparel as a standalone brand is another," Gerben explained. "Because of that distinction, I would not be surprised to see Disney contact Mendoza and request withdrawal of the application."
Mendoza, a known Star Wars enthusiast, likely sees this as a fun way to engage fans. But the legal hurdles are steep. Disney reportedly owns 16 trademarks related to "Mandalorian," and they've aggressively protected that intellectual property in the past. For Mendoza, the attempt to trademark the nickname could turn into a battle with the entertainment giant.
The situation also raises questions about the NFL's role. The league has strong ties to Disney through ESPN, one of its biggest broadcast partners. If the NFL steps in, it could pressure Mendoza to drop the application. But for now, the process is just beginning, and there are many steps before a final decision.
This isn't the first time Mendoza has made headlines since joining the Raiders. He's already reshaping the offense with his relentless questions, and his draft night was memorable thanks to an emotional speech from his mother, Elsa Mendoza. Now, he's adding a trademark filing to his rookie-year resume.
Whether the trademark goes through or not, the "Nandolorian" nickname has already stuck with fans. But as Gerben notes, "this filing appears to be another example of how a popular nickname can be perfectly acceptable in a parody use, yet run into significant obstacles once it enters the world of trademark registration and commercial merchandising."
For now, Mendoza is taking his shot. Whether Disney lets him keep it remains to be seen.
