Hornets guard LaMelo Ball files three new trademark applications

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball filed three new trademark applications ahead of Sunday night’s NBA All-Star game. Ball submitted applications on Feb. 15 to the US Patent and Trademark Office for “LaMelo Ball,” “1 OF 1,” and “M.E.L.O.”

The trademarks will cover a wide range of both virtual and physical goods, from NFTs to clothing and trading cards. Ball will focus most notably on increasing his online presence, delving into the world of esports where he will hold “on-line and live video game tournaments, on-line and live video gaming exhibitions, on-line and live video game competitions.”

The “1 OF 1” logo will be used for Ball’s clothing apparel line that features everything from t-shirts and hoodies to swimwear and socks. The application he filed offered a more thorough idea of all the goods — both physical and virtual — that Ball plans to offer.

In all, Ball will roll out “art, avatars, emotes, beverages, collectible coins, clothing, headwear, footwear, eyewear, headphones, jewelry, watches, books, comics, bags, games, home goods, phones, photographs, posters, sports equipment, sporting goods, toys, trading cards)” to fans. He will also offer virtual basketball courts, gyms and parks for “sports training in the metaverse, augmented reality and virtual worlds.”

In just his second NBA season, Ball was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. Playing as an injury replacement for Kevin Durant, the young star finished with an impressive 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals in 22 minutes.

Ball has only continued to improve this season after being named Rookie of the Year in 2020-21. He has shown an ability to contribute across the stat sheet, averaging 20 points, 7.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals. The Hornets currently sit an ninth in the Eastern Conference, which would put them in the NBA’s play-in tournament with a chance to make the playoffs.

The Ball family was in the news long before LaMelo entered the NBA, thanks to his older brother Lonzo Ball who now plays for the Chicago Bulls. Their father, LaVar Ball, gained notoriety through his outspoken personality and eventually founded the apparel company Big Baller Brand.

With his new trademark applications, LaMelo Ball will hope to achieve similar success as his NBA stardom grows.