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Roger Federer has reclaimed his famous ‘RF’ logo from Nike, according to a filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
When the tennis icon switched endorsement deals from Nike to Japanese label Uniqlo he was not able to immediately bring over the ‘RF’ logo as Nike had registered its trademark and owned the rights to it.
At the time of his move to Uniqlo, a deal reportedly worth US$300 million over ten years, the Swiss was confident Nike would eventually hand over rights to the logo.
Federer, 37, said at the time: “[I hope] Nike can be nice and helpful in the process to bring it over to me. It’s also something that was very important for me, for the fans really.”
Adding: “The good news is that it will come with me at one point. They are my initials. The good thing is it’s not theirs forever. In a short period of time, it will come to me.”
Last year Nike stopped selling the all ‘RF’-branded merchandise and now the trademark appears to have been returned to his control.
Federer registered Tenro AG in Switzerland in 2007 as the company that looks after his real estate interests and intellectual property. For example, it operates his personal website. According to USPTO filings, Tenro AG is the last listed owner of the ‘RF’ logo, with it having originally been registered by Nike.
It is unclear when the change of ownership occurred. Neither Federer or Uniqlo have indicated whether they plan to use the logo now it has been authorised.
Federer still wears Nike shoes even though they have no official sponsorship agreement. However, he signed a deal with Swiss brand On in November last year to become an investor and designer ahead of a personalised product release this year.
The world men’s number four is currently off the tour following knee surgery and is scheduled to start play again during the grass court season.
Roger Federer has reclaimed his famous ‘RF’ logo from Nike
Roger Federer has reclaimed his famous ‘RF’ logo from Nike, according to a filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
When the tennis icon switched endorsement deals from Nike to Japanese label Uniqlo he was not able to immediately bring over the ‘RF’ logo as Nike had registered its trademark and owned the rights to it.
At the time of his move to Uniqlo, a deal reportedly worth US$300 million over ten years, the Swiss was confident Nike would eventually hand over rights to the logo.
Federer, 37, said at the time: “[I hope] Nike can be nice and helpful in the process to bring it over to me. It’s also something that was very important for me, for the fans really.”
Adding: “The good news is that it will come with me at one point. They are my initials. The good thing is it’s not theirs forever. In a short period of time, it will come to me.”
Last year Nike stopped selling the all ‘RF’-branded merchandise and now the trademark appears to have been returned to his control.
Federer registered Tenro AG in Switzerland in 2007 as the company that looks after his real estate interests and intellectual property. For example, it operates his personal website. According to USPTO filings, Tenro AG is the last listed owner of the ‘RF’ logo, with it having originally been registered by Nike.
It is unclear when the change of ownership occurred. Neither Federer or Uniqlo have indicated whether they plan to use the logo now it has been authorised.
Federer still wears Nike shoes even though they have no official sponsorship agreement. However, he signed a deal with Swiss brand On in November last year to become an investor and designer ahead of a personalised product release this year.
The world men’s number four is currently off the tour following knee surgery and is scheduled to start play again during the grass court season.
