In a 33-page ruling, U.S. District Judge William H. Walls said that the Harlem Wizards would be unaffected by the Bullets' proposed name change. He felt that fans would know the obvious difference between the two teams: one, a basketball comedy troupe (a la the Harlem Globetrotters); the other, an NBA franchise. (You wise guys out there may be wondering which team is which? Heh heh...)
With this ruling, the Bullets won the trademark infringement case that was brought about by a New Jersey-based basketball team last August. This ruling allows the Washington Bullets and the NBA to move ahead with their marketing and merchandising strategies for the name change. Said team president Susan O'Malley: "It's full steam ahead now."
The Harlem Wizards continue to contend that fans will be unable to differentiate between the two teams, suggesting that teams might think that they (the Harlem Wizards) are the actual NBA team. The judge didn't buy into that argument, but the Harlem Wizards are planning an appeal.
Washington Wizards. Does it roll off your tongue yet? For me, it doesn't. Maybe I'll get used to it. It definitely suggests different types of marketing flash. But, barring any unexpected reversals on appeal, the name change is official. Look for the logo and team colors (find the latest rumors here) in April.
January
