Jan. 19--As the San Diego Chargers negotiate a possible move to Los Angeles, the franchise has already taken steps to secure a new name.
The Chargers applied to trademark "Los Angeles Chargers" and "LA Chargers" two days after NFL owners approved the Rams' relocation to L.A. last week.
Signed by A.G. Spanos, the Chargers' president of business operations, the applications seek to cover a sprawling array of products including football helmets, ear muffs and golf balls.
Anastasia Danias, a senior vice president for the NFL, is listed as the attorney of record.
The Chargers have an option to join the Rams in L.A. that expires Jan. 15, 2017. The option can be extended one year if voters approve public financing for a new stadium in San Diego.
If the Chargers pass on moving to L.A., then the Oakland Raiders will have an identical one-year option.
The Rams, who are developing a stadium in Inglewood that's expected to be ready for the 2019 season, started formal negotiations with the Chargers on Monday to share the venue.
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