NFL, New Orleans Saints file counterclaim in escalating legal battle over ‘Who Dat?’ trademark

NFL, Saints fire back in battle over ‘Who Dat?’

NEW ORLEANS — A court fight is escalating over who owns the rights to “Who Dat?”, as the NFL and the New Orleans Saints filed trademark counterclaims against the company that made a recording that became the popular cheer of Saints fans.

On March 4, Who Dat? Inc. filed suit in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge, claiming trademark rights to the phrase.

Brothers Sal and Steve Monistere owned a recording company that produced the local hit in 1983. Since then, their company has sold various “Who Dat” goods.

In a reply filed Thursday, NFL Properties and the Saints say the lawsuit is “a transparent and opportunistic effort to capitalize on the equity and popularity of the New Orleans Saints as their fans celebrate their Super Bowl victory.”