Rawlings’ complaint alleges Under Armour (right) put its logo on
Rawlings’ helmet (left) without Rawlings’ permission.
On June 7, Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. sued Under Armour, Inc., in the Western District for false designation of origin, trade dress infringement, and other Lanham Act causes of action.
The reason?
Rawlings says Under Armour put its logo on Rawlings’ COOLFLO red-and-black batting helmet without Rawlings’ permission and used the helmet in at least two magazine advertisements for Under Armour batting gloves.
The complaint alleges that “Customers and the public are likely, upon seeing the UA Logo affixed to the COOLFLO® Helmet Mark and the COOLFLO® Trade Dress, to mistakenly believe either that the products being sold in association with the helmet originate from Rawlings or to believe that the helmet originates from Under Armour. Customers may also believe that Rawlings sponsors, is affiliated with or endorses the goods sold in association with the COOLFLO® Helmet upon which the UA Logo has been affixed.”
Under Armour has not yet answered Rawlings’ complaint.
The case cite is Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. v. Under Armour, Inc., No. 10-933 (W.D. Wash.).