January 29, 2020 Advertising / Celebrities / Golf / Intellectual Property / Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Trademark / Litigation / PGA / Sponsorships / Trademark

Fore! Jack Nicklaus Sues Maker of Golf Training Technology for Trademark Infringement

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has sued PowerPro Sports LLC, alleging that they are unlawfully using his likeness and trademarks without his permission to promote a product.

Nicklaus Companies LLC, Jack Nicklaus’ corporate vehicle, has sued PowerPro in Florida federal court. PowerPro makes the Powerchute golf training technology, which the company claims improves golf swing through the use of aerodynamic drag. Nicklaus argues that PowerPro violated his right of publicity under Florida law, as well as violated the federal Lanham Act by engaging in false endorsement, …

December 13, 2014 Copyright / Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Trademark

Pistol Pete Lawsuit Put to Pasture

On Wednesday, December 3, 2014, Oklahoma State University and New Mexico State University defuse their duel over the classic ‘Pistol Pete’ mascot with a nominal licensing agreement.

OSU originally brought the copyright infringement lawsuit back in October, protecting its 80 year old trademark from the similar-looking classic NMSU logo. In 2005, NMSU began to phase out the classic logo in favor of a widely unaccepted, but modernized ‘Lasso Larry.’ The New Mexico State Aggies now use an updated version of a pistol-toting cowboy that avoids …