Report: LIV Golf sued by major sportswear manufacturer

adidas has taken legal action against the LIV Golf League, according to a report. 

Per Front Office Sports, it is said adidas feel the 'L' on the Saudi-backed league's branding is too similar to their iconic three-stripe logo. 

The company have filed a Notice of Opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark stating:

According to trademark attorney Josh Gerben, adidas is unlikely to win the case. 

Gerben told the publication it is likely there will be a settlement on how LIV's 'L' appears on certain products. 

This is not the first copyright dispute to involve LIV Golf. 

In June, an Argentine corporation filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against LIV Golf and Phil Mickelson's HyFlyers.  

Attorneys for Cool Brands Supply have argued that Mickelson and the HyFlyers have copied the 20-year-old logo of the brand Fallen. 

As for adidas, they were previously linked with a $1bn takeover of a LIV Golf team. 

It was speculated in July 2022 the brand were interested in taking over Dustin Johnson's 4Aces side. 

Johnson himself was sponsored by adidas for more than 15 years but the two parted ways in February as the golfer wanted to focus on growing the brand of the team he captains and owns a 25 per cent equity stake in. 

"We've mutually agreed to part ways with long-time adidas athlete, Dustin Johnson," adidas Golf president Jeff Lienhart previously told ESPN of the split.  

"For more than 15 years, Dustin has been a great ambassador for the Adidas brand.

"We've had a front-row seat to see him win multiple major championships, ascend to the No. 1 ranking and cement himself as one of the best golfers in history -- all while wearing the 3-Stripes. We wish Dustin nothing but success moving forward."

LIV Golf have almost concluded their 2023 campaign and are reportedly set to announce details of their 2024 schedule soon. 

The breakaway tour, backed by Saudi Arabia's PIF, agreed on 6 June to create a new for-profit company with their once bitter PGA Tour rival. 

There were rumours that in light of that agreement the LIV Golf League would cease to exist. 

But officials have poured cold water on that, stating it's business as usual. 

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