DOCUMENT: Sports

Patriots Still Pursuing Perfection

Despite Super Bowl loss, 18-1 football team wants '19-0' trademarks

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Patriots Still Pursuing Perfection

APRIL 21--Three months after their bid for an undefeated season ended with a Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants, the New England Patriots are continuing to pursue trademarks on the phrases '19-0' and '19-0 The Perfect Season,' records show.

While the team may have been expected to withdraw its applications after finishing at 18-1, a Patriots lawyer recently amended the original filings to correct a typographical error, a clear indication that the organization remains committed to securing the marks (perhaps Bill Belichick & Co. are anticipating perfection in the 2008 season). On January 17, days before facing the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Championship Game, the Patriots filed the trademark applications, which, if approved, would allow the club to place '19-0' and '19-0 The Perfect Season' on a wide variety of toys, DVDs, clothing, sporting goods, and other knick knacks.

As seen here, on April 11 the Patriots tweaked their original United States Patent and Trademark Office filings to correct a misspelling. The team wanted to make it clear that they seek to sell toy banks, not 'toy bans.' (2 pages)