Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: October 18, 2016
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comRecently, the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys filed an official action against two former players for trademark infringement. According to Forbes contributor Darren Heitner, the team filed an opposition with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board against the players’ use of the Cowboys trademark logo and colors as well as the players’ subsequent attempt to register a trademark for the imitated images. Will the team be successful in winning their trademark infringement action?
The Cowboys submitted the action in opposition of the improper use of its registered trademarks by the Palmer Williams Group. According to a Law360 report, the company is a youth football academy launched by Sherman Williams and David Palmer. Dallas took issue with the duo’s use of the navy blue star logo, font style and the trademark navy blue, white and silver uniforms made popular by the NFL team. Furthermore, in its action, the Cowboys’ owners pointed to the fact that the team was called the “Pritchard Cowboys” as proof of an improper use of registered trademark images due to its intent to imitate the NFL franchise.
In its filing, the Cowboys also stated that it was concerned with the possible dilution of its brand as the result of the Palmer Williams Group’s use of its trademarked images. This could damage the Cowboys’ future business partnerships, sponsorships and license agreements. That could, in turn, result in reduced revenues from advertising, merchandise sales and services offered by the team.
Ultimately, the NFL team felt the Prichard Cowboys’ use of its trademarked images on its uniforms, hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts was profiting off of the goodwill of the Dallas Cowboys’ brand. This could also confuse the public as to any association, partnership or relation between the two entities.
While a formal ruling on the matter remains to be seen, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office does not typically grant use or registration of trademarks that could confuse the general public over similarities. With this in mind, it appears the Dallas Cowboys will most likely win their action and force the Palmer Williams Group to change its team name, logos, uniform and apparel designs due to a threat of a lawsuit based on improper use of trademarked images and trademark infringement.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
Author: Dan Brecher
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!