In a move that highlights the increasing scrutiny of intellectual property in sports, the National Hockey League (NHL) has issued a licensing request to Smoky Hill High School in Colorado, seeking permission to use the school's logo in conjunction with the Buffalo Sabres. The logo at the center of the dispute features a Native American chief, which has been used by the high school for decades. The NHL claims that the logo is too similar to the Sabres' own logo, potentially causing confusion among fans and sponsors. The request raises questions about the ownership and usage of Native American imagery in sports branding.

NHL calls for licensing agreement with Smoky Hill High School over Buffalo Sabres logo  Yahoo Sports