Muhammad Ali Trademark Owners Oppose His Daughter Using Her Own Name

Muhammad Ali may have been a professional boxer, but his recognition extends far beyond the sporting world. Almost as recognizable is Laila Ali, Muhammad’s daughter who built her own legacy by becoming a titan in the women’s boxing world. Thanks to an opposition filed by the ‘Muhammad Ali’ trademark owners, however, Laili may be unable to trademark her own name.

Muhammad Ali Trademark Owners Push Back

Muhammad Ali started boxing at the age of 12, and over the next few decades, he became a global icon. His daughter Laila was born in 1977, and 18 years later, she decided to step into the ring herself. While Muhammad Ali is widely regarded as the best boxer in history, even he was unable to accomplish the undefeated record that his daughter Laila boasts. However, Muhammad Ali Enterprises seems poised to stop her from using her own name in commerce.

That’s because the company — which owns the rights to all Muhammad Ali intellectual property and publicity rights — has filed a trademark opposition against the iconic boxer’s daughter. In its opposition, the company claims that Laila’s use of her name on certain goods and services would damage the company’s own trademark rights. In fact, the company states that allowing such use would create a likelihood of confusion, trademark dilution and a false suggestion of connection.

What’s the Basis for Blocking the Laila Ali Trademark?

The primary focus of the opposition filed by Muhammad Ali Enterprises seems to be that the trademark registration of “Laila Ali” would create confusion in consumers’ minds. It claims that the public would likely confuse Laila’s products and services with those provided by the company. The complaint also states that Laila’s use of her name could diminish the value of the “Muhammad Ali” trademark. These are obviously significant claims against the legendary boxer’s daughter.

It’s worth noting that — throughout the entirety of the opposition — the fact that Laila is the daughter of the celebrity boxer is never mentioned. In fact, Laila’s name appears to only be mentioned twice in the 14-page document — even though she’s the CEO of the company that filed the application (i.e., She Bee Stingin) and the name bearer of the sought-after trademark. This might be coincidental, but some may see it as Muhammad Ali Enterprises trying to downplay the familial relation.

What Happens Now?

Now that an opposition has been filed, it’s up to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to make a decision. It’s possible that Laila Ali’s company and Muhammad Ali Enterprises could reach an agreement on their own, but it’s unclear whether either of the parties is willing to engage in such talks. Judging from major trademark litigation we’ve seen filed by the company, however, it’s clear that they’re not afraid to step into the judicial ring.

If the two parties cannot reach an agreement, Laila’s company She Bee Stingin currently has until November 7, 2022 to file an answer with the TTAB. There likely aren’t many people who expected to see Ali vs Ali within their lifetimes, but if the ‘Laila Ali’ trademark isn’t settled, this bout could go the distance.