A minor league baseball team in Montana, the Glacier Range Riders, is currently embroiled in a trademark dispute with the U.S. Department of Interior over the use of an arrowhead logo. The team, which is a member of a Major League Baseball partner league, introduced several logos for the 2022 season, including a mountain goat with a park ranger hat, a bear in a red bus reminiscent of Glacier National Park tour buses, and an arrowhead featuring the letters 'RR'.
The Interior Department has raised objections specifically to the arrowhead logo, claiming it could create confusion with the National Park Service's logo. Despite the team's argument that there is no basis for such confusion, the Patent and Trademark Office rejected their claims. Subsequently, the Interior Department filed a formal opposition last June, leading to an ongoing legal battle that the team anticipates will be costly to defend.
The Glacier Range Riders have emphasized that their logos draw inspiration from the early days of the national park system, particularly the establishment of Glacier National Park. They have highlighted the historical role of range riders in protecting the Flathead National Forest Reserve, which predates the park's formation.
Notably, the team's branding partner, Brandiose, has underscored the unique connection between the team's logos and the national parks, stating that no other sports brand has adopted such inspiration. The National Park Service's logo features an arrowhead enclosing various natural elements and the agency's name.
In response to the Interior Department's opposition, the team has argued that the arrowhead shape is a generic symbol used by numerous organizations nationwide, and the National Park Service does not hold exclusive rights to it. Various entities, including the Kansas City Chiefs, also incorporate an arrowhead in their branding without issue.
Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana has questioned Interior Secretary Deb Haaland about the agency's legal actions against the Glacier Range Riders. Zinke highlighted that the arrowhead symbol is widely used and expressed concern over the government's pursuit of this matter.
The team's president, Chris Kelly, has affirmed their commitment to defending the use of the arrowhead in their branding, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of strength and resilience. The Glacier Range Riders are set to kick off their 2024 season with a home game on May 21 against the Oakland Bs, a fellow Pioneer League team.
