No Extra Innings: Cubs, MLB Reach Settlement With Apparel Vendors

On November 9, 2016, Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs reached a settlement with the 84 vendors accused of selling counterfeit MLB merchandise. In the motion, the Cubs declared that it had entered into a confidential settlement with the vendors and requested that the court issue a permanent injunction, preventing them from selling the merchandise in the future.

Due to the great success the Cubs experienced this season, a large number of fake apparel vendors began selling products with symbols resembling MLB marks, leading

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Is Selling Cubs Merchandise a Crime?

Stealing bases may be a routine part of baseball, but the Chicago Cubs have made it clear that street vendors stealing merchandise have no part in America’s pastime. On September 22, 2016, Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs sued vendors for selling counterfeit merchandise on the streets outside of Wrigley Field.

This has been an uplifting season for the Cubs as they are in first place, standing as the top team in all of Major League Baseball. The club’s claim that vendors are “deliberately …

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NJ Judge Sustains Fraud Claims Against Eli Manning in Memorabilia Case

On Wednesday, January 13, 2016, Judge James DeLuca sustained racketeering and fraud claims against NFL quarterback Eli Manning and New York Giants’ equipment manager Joseph Skiba in relation to the 2014 action brought by Eric Inselberg, alleging that Manning and the New York Giants were distributing fake sports memorabilia. While Judge DeLuca sustained the racketeering and fraud claims, he dismissed several other claims alleged by Inselberg.

Eric Inselberg, a memorabilia dealer, brought suit in January of 2014, accusing the New York Giants of engaging in …

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MLB, NHL, and NBA on the Hunt for Default Judgment Against Online Counterfeiters

On December 11, 2015, MLB, NHL, and NBA league affiliates filed for a default judgment in an Illinois federal court against online counterfeiters who have failed to respond to the leagues’ pleadings.

League affiliates brought suit in October, seeking to prevent unidentified online counterfeiters from continuing to sell products that infringe upon their respective trademarks. Additionally, the leagues claimed $2 million in damages against each defendant retailer for trademarks that have already been infringed upon. The leagues contend that online counterfeiters — believed to be …

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Illinois Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order Against MLB, NHL, and NBA Counterfeiters

On November 6, 2015, U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood filed a temporary restraining order (TRO), prohibiting unidentified online retailers from producing and distributing counterfeit sporting merchandise.

The suit, brought in Illinois federal court last month by MLB, NHL, and NBA league affiliates, seeks to prevent the defendant retailers from selling products featuring their logos and claims $2 million in damages for the use of their trademarks. In their suit, the leagues claim that online retailers — believed to be based in China — have …

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NHL and Adidas Ink Deal for Uniforms and Merchandise

On Tuesday September 15, 2015, the National Hockey League announced that it inked a 7-year partnership with Adidas AG. Adidas will become the official supplier of on-ice uniforms, as well as the official outfitter for licensed apparel—both clothing and headwear.

The announcement came following several months of speculation.  In the hockey world, jerseys (or, “sweaters,” as they’re often referred to) are a big deal.  You can’t deny it—hockey uniforms are more iconic and elaborate than in any other sport. This is mostly because hockey …

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One Giant Accusation: Motion to Disqualify Judge Now Pending in Giants Fake Merchandise Lawsuit

Eric Inselberg, a memorabilia dealer bringing suit against the New York Giants, has moved to disqualify Superior Court Judge James DeLuca, contending that his impartiality is at issue. Judge DeLuca has disclosed that he is the owner of two personal seat licenses that enable him to purchase season tickets for Giants home games. Additionally, he has stated that while his son essentially controls the tickets, he does attend one or two of the games per season and has been a fan of the franchise since …

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