The Sabres asked “The Buffalo Sabrehood,” a fan group that hosts road game watch parties, to “stop using ‘Sabrehood’” -- a phrase the team trademarked several years ago, according to Michael Petro of the BUFFALO NEWS. Logos, marks and intellectual property that were being used by the fan group are “also trademarked and exclusive property of the Sabres.” The fan group had been using The Buffalo Sabrehood name to “gather for road game bar takeovers at an array of establishments” in the city and around Western N.Y. The team has its “own network of bars that it works with and promotes under the Sabrehood name,” putting it “in conflict with the fan group.” The Sabres’ pregame and watch parties for home playoff games “are also referred to as the Sabrehood Block Party.” However, the fan group “plans to keep going, with a new name.” Co-founder of the fan group Brandon Carr said that the group is “changing its name to The Buffalo Sabre Blades.” The team is “protecting ownership of its property while trying to avoid confusion over the team’s affiliations with paying partners and what this fan group is hosting.” The team had a “pleasant conversation with the group” and there was “no formal a cease-and-desist order issued.” The phrase “Sabrehood” was trademarked by the team in 2022, but it “became popular this season” as a way to recognize the team’s success (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/11).
Sabres ask Buffalo fan group to stop using ‘Sabrehood’ trademark
