NFL

Tom Brady might be great, but Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver is officially 'terrific'

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected New England quarterback Tom Brady's application to take control of the nickname "Tom Terrific" on Thursday, ruling that it "points uniquely and unmistakably to Tom Seaver."

U.S. patent office sacks New England QB's bid for 'Tom Terrific' trademark

Tom Brady celebrates after leading the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl championship in 2017. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It's settled: Tom Seaver is "Tom Terrific," not Tom Brady.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected Brady's application to take control of the nickname on Thursday, ruling that it "points uniquely and unmistakably to Tom Seaver."

It adds that giving Brady a trademark for "Tom Terrific" might lead people to conclude the Hall of Fame pitcher endorses any products, rather than the New England Patriots quarterback.

Brady has said he doesn't even like the nickname and was just trying to trademark it to keep others from using it without his permission. But Seaver fans accused Brady of trying to appropriate their hero's identity.

Brady will have to make do with the nicknames TB12 and, of course, G.O.A.T. — or "Greatest of All Time."

A judge ruled former New York Mets great Tom Seaver is officially "Tom Terrific." (The Associated Press)