We’re thrilled to announce that Heitner Legal has successfully secured the federal trademark registration for ANGEL REESE (Reg. No. 8,004,000) for Chicago Sky star Angel Reese. Registered on October 28, 2025, for use in International Class 28 covering basketballs, this latest trademark victory represents another strategic move in building one of the WNBA’s most robust brand portfolios.
This registration follows our previous success in helping Angel secure the MEBOUNDS trademark, a masterclass in turning criticism into brand equity that captured national attention and demonstrated the power of strategic intellectual property protection.
If you’re seeking legal counsel to assist you with protecting your intellectual property, then feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
From Courtside to Trademark Success
Angel Reese isn’t just dominating on the basketball court. She’s also building a formidable business empire. With an impressive social media following, lucrative sponsorship deals including Reebok and Reese’s candy, and her popular “Unapologetically Angel” podcast, Reese understands that her name is her brand, and her brand needs protection.
The ANGEL REESE trademark registration provides comprehensive protection for one of basketball’s most recognizable names, ensuring that as her star continues to rise, her brand remains exclusively hers to control and monetize.
The MEBOUNDS Success Story: Turning Trolls into Profit
Earlier this year, when critics coined the term “mebounds” to mock her tendency to grab offensive rebounds off her own missed shots, Angel didn’t retreat. She trademarked it.
“Whoever came up with the ‘mebounds’ thing, y’all ate,” Reese said in a viral TikTok video. “And a brand? That’s six figures right there.”
She was right. The MEBOUNDS trademark application, filed by Heitner Legal, led to a successful merchandise line, with a portion of proceeds supporting cyberbullying prevention through The Angel C. Reese Foundation. What started as criticism became a charitable business venture, proving that with proper legal counsel and swift action, even negative attention can be transformed into positive brand equity.
This wasn’t just about merchandise; it was about narrative control. By legally owning the term critics created, Angel seized control of her own story and demonstrated to other athletes the power of proactive brand management.
Building a Comprehensive Trademark Portfolio
Angel Reese’s trademark strategy extends well beyond a single registration. Her growing intellectual property portfolio now includes:
- ANGEL REESE (Serial No. 99,072,036) – Her name, her primary brand identifier
- MEBOUNDS (Serial No. 99,234,613) – Turning criticism into commerce
- REESEBOUNDS (Serial No. 99,245,044) – Expanding her rebounding brand
- UNAPOLOGETICALLY ANGEL (Serial No. 99,073,040) – Her podcast and lifestyle brand
This comprehensive approach reflects sophisticated brand management that goes far beyond simply playing basketball. Angel is building intellectual property assets that will generate revenue long after her playing career ends.
Why Public Figures Need Trademark Protection
Angel Reese’s situation illustrates several critical reasons why athletes, entertainers, and public figures must prioritize trademark protection:
1. Prevent Brand Dilution and Unauthorized Use
Federal registration provides nationwide exclusive rights, giving you legal standing to stop counterfeiters and unauthorized sellers from profiting off your hard-earned reputation.
2. Control Your Narrative
As the MEBOUNDS case demonstrates, trademark protection allows you to control how terms associated with your brand are used commercially. When you own the trademark, you decide what the term means in the marketplace.
3. Maximize Revenue Opportunities
Registered trademarks create licensing opportunities. Companies will pay to use your protected marks on their products, but only if you actually own the legal rights. Without registration, you’re leaving money on the table.
4. Build Long-Term Asset Value
Your playing career may last 10-15 years, but your brand can generate income for a lifetime. Registered trademarks are valuable assets that appreciate over time and can be licensed, sold, or passed down.
5. Establish Priority and Nationwide Protection
Filing early prevents others from claiming rights to your name or associated phrases. Federal registration provides protection across all 50 states, not just where you currently play or reside.
The Cost of Waiting
While Angel Reese acted quickly to protect her brand, many athletes learn the hard way about the importance of trademark protection. Every day without trademark registration is a day someone else could be:
- Selling counterfeit merchandise with your name;
- Filing trademark applications for phrases associated with you;
- Building businesses around your brand without your permission; and/or
- Diluting the value of your name in the marketplace.
The legal fees to fight unauthorized use are exponentially higher than the cost of proactive trademark registration. More importantly, once someone else establishes rights in a mark, it can be extremely difficult and expensive to reclaim those rights.
Beyond Athletes: Brand Protection for Everyone
While Angel Reese’s case involves a professional athlete, the principles apply across industries:
- Entrepreneurs need to protect business names and product lines
- Content creators should trademark channel names and catchphrases
- Artists and musicians must secure their stage names and album titles
- Authors should protect book series titles and character names
- Companies need comprehensive trademark portfolios for all brands, products, and services
Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already achieved recognition, trademark protection should be a priority, not an afterthought.
The Heitner Legal Difference
At Heitner Legal, we specialize in helping athletes, entertainers, influencers, and businesses build and protect their brands. Our approach goes beyond simply filing trademark applications. We develop comprehensive intellectual property strategies tailored to your unique situation and goals.
Angel Reese’s success in building a protected brand portfolio didn’t happen by accident. It resulted from strategic planning, swift action, and expert legal guidance.
The Bottom Line
Angel Reese’s trademark victories demonstrate that protecting your brand is just as important as building it. Whether you’re a professional athlete at the top of your game, an entrepreneur launching a new venture, or an established business expanding your product lines, trademark protection should be a cornerstone of your strategy.
At Heitner Legal, we’re proud to help our clients secure their intellectual property rights and build lasting brand value. Angel Reese’s ANGEL REESE trademark registration represents more than just legal protection. It represents a commitment to controlling her narrative, maximizing her business opportunities, and building generational wealth.
Ready to protect your brand? Don’t leave your most valuable asset unprotected. Contact Heitner Legal today to discuss your trademark needs and develop a comprehensive brand protection strategy. Like Angel Reese, you can turn your name into a protected, profitable asset that generates value for years to come.
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance regarding your trademark needs, please consult with a qualified attorney.