World Series of Poker to Become Trademarked by Harrah’s?

In an interesting - and some might say DISTURBING - report appearing on the Pokerati website Tuesday,  we learn that Harrah's has applied for the patent on the term "World Series of Poker". 

Those of us at Gambling911.com have mixed reactions.  They are after all the World Series of Poker sponsors/owners.  What happens if the WSOP and Harrah's should part ways down the road? 

In 2004, Harrah's Entertainment purchased Binion's Horseshoe, kept the rights to the Horseshoe and World Series of Poker brands, sold the hotel and casino to MTR Gaming Group, and announced that the 2005 Series events would be held at the Harrah's-owned Rio Hotel and Casino, located just off the Las Vegas Strip.

Assuming a sale of the brand, the point is probably moot.

Of more concern is the prospect that Harrah's could take a stance similar to that of the NFL.

In past years, the National Football League has threatened lawsuit against groups that used the terminology "Super Bowl Party" to describe events taking place during Super Bowl Weekend. 

Here is the application

Ace King, Gambling911.com