Indiana semi-pro team changes logo after Texans complaint

The Iron Bulls made the move after accusations of copying the NFL team's design.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:56pm

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An Indiana semi-pro football team that was previously using a logo accused of resembling the Houston Texans' logo has made a change to its branding. The Iron Bulls, a semi-professional team based in Indianapolis, updated its logo after receiving complaints from the NFL's Texans organization about the similarities between the two designs.

Why it matters

The Texans organization is known to be protective of its intellectual property and brand, having previously taken action against other teams and entities that have used logos or designs too similar to their own. This case highlights the challenges small sports teams can face in developing unique branding that doesn't infringe on the trademarks of larger, more established professional franchises.

The details

The Iron Bulls' previous logo featured a bull's head design that was very similar in style and color scheme to the Texans' logo. After receiving a complaint from the Texans, the Indiana team quickly updated its branding to feature a new logo that is more distinct from the NFL team's design.

  • The Iron Bulls unveiled their original logo in early 2026.
  • In March 2026, the Texans organization contacted the Iron Bulls about the similarities between the two logos.
  • The Iron Bulls announced their new logo in late March 2026, just a few weeks after the initial complaint.

The players

Houston Texans

A professional American football team based in Houston, Texas that plays in the National Football League (NFL).

Iron Bulls

A semi-professional American football team based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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What they’re saying

“We must protect our brand identity and intellectual property. While we appreciate the Iron Bulls' enthusiasm, their logo was too similar to our own trademarked design.”

— Cal McNair, Chairman and CEO, Houston Texans

“Our goal is to build a unique identity for the Iron Bulls that celebrates our community. We're happy to have worked quickly with the Texans to resolve this issue.”

— John Ramirez, Owner, Iron Bulls

What’s next

The Iron Bulls are expected to unveil their new logo and branding ahead of the 2026 semi-pro football season.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance for smaller sports teams to develop distinct branding that avoids potential trademark conflicts with larger, more established professional franchises. The quick resolution between the Texans and Iron Bulls demonstrates the value of open communication and cooperation in such matters.