The National Hockey League (NHL) is asserting its control over intellectual property rights, as evidenced by a statement regarding the use of its logos, and trademarks. According to a notice appearing on NHL.com, all logos and marks belonging to the NHL and its teams are protected and cannot be reproduced without prior written consent from NHL Enterprises, L.P. The statement, dated 2025, extends this protection to all customized team jerseys bearing the names and numbers of NHL players, which are officially licensed through the league and the NHL Players’ Association (AJLNH).
NHL Enterprises, L.P., incorporated in 1996, functions as the marketing affiliate of the NHL, operating as a subsidiary alongside NHL Enterprises Canada, L.P., NHL Europe, and NHL Productions. The company is responsible for licensing programs and protecting the intellectual property of the league’s 32 franchises, which are located in both the United States and Canada. According to a 2000 report from The Hockey Company, NHL Enterprises LP is specifically designated as the “marketing affiliate of the NHL.”
The Hockey Company maintains a licensing agreement with NHL Enterprises, L.P. Granting it exclusive rights to supply authentic game jerseys used by all 32 NHL teams, including those worn during playoff and all-star games. This agreement underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining control over its branding and merchandise.
Jeremy M. Jacobs currently chairs the Board of Directors of NHL Enterprises, L.P. The league’s 32 teams are divided between seven Canadian franchises – the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Winnipeg Jets – and 25 teams based in the United States.
Recent activity on NHL.com, as of March 4, 2026, highlights ongoing games and player performances, including a late rally and overtime win for the Edmonton Oilers against the Ottawa Senators, and the Dallas Stars extending their franchise-record winning streak to 10 games. Trade discussions are also underway, with several players identified as potential targets ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Nashville Predators, and the Winnipeg Jets won against the Chicago Blackhawks in overtime.
The league has also been involved in events beyond the ice, including the unveiling of a renovated home by the Philadelphia Flyers and their partnership with Building Hope for Kids. Trade rumors surrounding players like Travis Trocheck of the Modern York Rangers and Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks continue to circulate, though Pettersson has publicly stated his focus remains on the Canucks.
