US Olympic Committee Sues Prime Energy Drink

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Facts

  • The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is suing Prime Hydration, YouTuber Logan Paul's energy drink brand, for alleged trademark infringement.1
  • In a federal lawsuit filed in the District of Colorado, the USOPC alleges that Paul's company Prime Hydration used trademarked phrases — including 'Olympian,' 'Olympic,' and 'Team USA' — specifically on its advertisements featuring NBA player Kevin Durant.2
  • The lawsuit also alleges that Prime Hydration continued to market the drink even after receiving a cease-and-desist letter, adding the 'defendant is still actively infringing USOPC marks.'3
  • The USOPC is seeking compensation for alleged harm to its sponsorship agreements as well as all profits associated with the sale of the drink, which it claims amount to millions of dollars.4
  • Responding to the allegations, Prime Hydration said it complies with federal regulations.5

Sources: 1New York Times, 2USA Today, 3CBS, 4NBC and 5BBC News.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by New York Post. Prime's use of Olympic-related trademarks infringes on the USOPC's legally protected intellectual property, allowing it to garner huge profits despite no official association. The committee has exclusive deals with brands like Coca-Cola for using Olympic trademarks, and Prime's unlicensed use of these trademarks undermines these agreements.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Dinsmore. Prime Hydration is allowed to use Olympic-related phrases under Nominative Fair Use. Even if Prime isn't an official sponsor, it's not barred from discussing the Olympics. Since the company is simply promoting Kevin Durant as an athlete, the usage of USOPC's trademarks can't be deemed commercial.

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