Returning from Sochi: Athlete Endorsement Deals and Licensing Agreements

Two months ago, the 2014 winter Olympics in Sochi finally came to an end and as all 230 athletes returned home, only 28 returned with medals and an even smaller number returned with athlete endorsement deals. It is not uncommon for winter Olympians to have difficulty attaining athlete endorsement deals. Catching the attention of big […]

Is It Lights Out for Nike’s Lights Out Sports Apparel Line?

This past Monday, former NFL player Shawne Merriman, through his company, sued Nike for trademark infringement and unfair competition in federal court.   Merriman’s company holds two federal trademark registrations for “Lights Out,” with the first covering clothing apparel and the second covering athlete endorsement and promotion of another’s goods and/or services through licensing the […]