Cool Brands Sports, an Argentine skateboarding and lifestyle apparel brand, is suing Phil Mickelson and LIV Golf in federal court, accusing them of copying its 20-year-old logo.
Mark Schlabach of ESPN broke the story.
“Defendants’ adoption and use of their knockoff logo nearly twenty years after Plaintiff commenced use and in the face of Plaintiff’s federal trademark registration is not just reckless and inexplicable — it is willful infringement and unfair competition,” lawyers for Cool Brands Sports wrote in the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey.
As ESPN noted, Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC’s roster also includes James Piot, Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale.
“The similarities between the two marks, particularly when used on clothing, are striking, and are confusing consumers and causing damage to Plaintiff’s senior mark and brand,” Cool Brands Supply’s attorneys wrote. “Plaintiff previously demanded that Defendants cease use of their infringing logo, and they refused.”
Cool Brand Supply’s attorneys noted the HyFlyers didn’t use the “nearly identical” logo on its uniforms and merchandise during LIV Golf’s first season in 2022. They wrote the team displayed the “infringing mark” after the team rebranded in February.
Mickelson and LIV Golf did not immediately respond to the allegations made by the Argentine company.
[ESPN]
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