http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=38413

my opinion of that man id reapidly changing for the worse!

I think that it is more likely an attempt to block rather than create.
In otherwords, by registering the trademark, he is stopping the break away teams from using the most logical alternative name for the series, but if they do use the name, then he is ensuring himself a cut of the royalties.
Personally, I think it is all going to end in tears.