In a notable move within the legal landscape, sports platform Underdog has appointed a new legal chief from Crypto.com, a significant step in its strategic expansion. The decision underscores Underdog’s commitment to bolstering its internal legal capabilities as the company navigates a rapidly evolving industry. Underdog, known for its innovative approach to sports and entertainment,…
In a recent development, Joe Gibbs Racing LLC has petitioned a North Carolina federal court to amend its lawsuit against a competing NASCAR team, asserting that its former employee was recruited specifically to transfer confidential information. This action marks an escalation in an already intricate legal battle over intellectual property and competitive tactics within the…
The legal battle over the trademark “I Am More Than An Athlete” continues to intensify as a Maryland-based nonprofit recently petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Federal Circuit ruling. This decision favored Uninterrupted LLC, a company associated with basketball star LeBron James, allowing it to cancel the nonprofit’s trademark registration by asserting prior…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently upheld a decision by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) regarding a disputed online gaming patent. DraftKings had contested the PTAB’s ruling, arguing it had made a “clerical error” in administering the case. However, the Federal Circuit dismissed this argument, maintaining that the PTAB…
Underdog, a burgeoning player in the sports betting industry, has made a strategic move by appointing Jonathon Howard, the former head of Crypto.com’s prediction exchange, to a key leadership role. This hire underscores Underdog’s intent to leverage Howard’s extensive experience in blockchain and cryptocurrency to bolster its ambitions within the sports betting market. The company’s…
Print-on-demand retailer Vintage Brand is advocating for a Georgia federal judge to reject a summary judgment motion filed by a consortium of universities. The universities aim to secure an early win in their lawsuit alleging that Vintage Brand engaged in trademark infringement concerning its sports merchandise. The crux of Vintage Brand’s argument lies in the…
The ongoing legal battle over Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights has taken a new turn as the NCAA insists that college athletes adhere to arbitration rather than seeking court intervention in matters concerning their revenue from NIL deals. This development follows last year’s significant $2.78 billion class action settlement, which initially set the guidelines…
Duane Morris LLP has announced the integration of its sports and gambling law groups, a strategic move reflecting the burgeoning intersection of these industries. This development comes as sports betting continues to gain traction across the United States, following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to lift the federal ban on sports wagering, which opened the…
LIV Golf, the professional golf tour backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is exploring new avenues for funding following the exit of its primary supporter. This strategic move comes as the organization looks to sustain and potentially expand its operations in the dynamic sports landscape. The decision to seek additional investors marks a…
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has taken legal action against a Texas-based trading card company, accusing it of unlawfully using players’ images without obtaining the necessary group license from the union. This lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between athletes’ organizations and commercial entities over image rights, a topic that continues to intrigue legal observers in the…
In a recent ruling, an Illinois federal judge handed a setback to a Chicago rooftop bar owner, denying their motion for a judgment on the pleadings in a lawsuit filed by the Chicago Cubs. The litigation, initiated by the baseball team, alleges that the rooftop venue infringed on the Cubs’ intellectual property rights by selling…
A Chicago federal judge has ruled that the lawsuit filed by the Chicago Cubs against a rooftop business can proceed, underscoring the tension between the team and local businesses capitalizing on Wrigley Field’s game-day action. The Cubs assert that the rooftop owners are unlawfully benefiting from game viewings without contributing financially to the team. This…
The legal teams from Davis Polk and Wachtell Lipton have played pivotal roles in orchestrating the sale of a majority stake in the San Diego Padres to private equity giant, RedBird Capital Partners. This transaction marks a significant development in the intersection of professional sports and private equity investment. Davis Polk provided legal counsel to…
In a recent ruling, Columbia University faced a setback as an Oregon federal judge decided that the university could not dismiss a trademark infringement lawsuit initiated by Columbia Sportswear. The lawsuit centers around the alleged infringement of trademarks, with the sportswear company arguing that the university’s branding causes market confusion. This decision also prevents Columbia…
As the popularity of sports betting intensifies, legal challenges are emerging from multiple fronts, targeting the practices of major sports-betting companies. A growing number of lawsuits claim that these companies exploit vulnerable gamblers by intensifying marketing efforts at times when bettors may be most susceptible, such as late at night or after significant losses, according…
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns that the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup could become a platform for exclusion and fear, driven by US immigration policies and threats to media freedom. In a comprehensive 79-page guide for journalists, HRW highlighted how the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico,…
The recent legal dispute involving a college football player and his former institution underscores ongoing tensions in collegiate sports over player mobility and contractual obligations. A case has emerged from the University of Cincinnati, where a quarterback is challenging a lawsuit filed by the university demanding $1 million for breaching an employment agreement. This lawsuit…
Joe Gibbs Racing LLC, a premier NASCAR team, achieved a legal victory with a North Carolina federal court decision that prevents their former competition director, Christopher Gabehart, from utilizing or disclosing the team’s trade secrets. The court found that the racing team is likely to succeed on their claims of misappropriation and breach of contract…
In the realm of legal practice, the skills developed through seemingly unrelated extracurricular activities can often enhance one’s professional capabilities. A recent piece by Law360 explores how officiating football games can significantly bolster a lawyer’s skill set, bringing unique insights to the office and courtroom. Officiating football demands precision, quick decision-making, and an acute understanding…
In a meticulous process of judicial housekeeping, the U.S. Supreme Court made significant strides in managing its docket by addressing several pending cases previously in relist status. The concept of a “relist” refers to cases where the Court has deferred a decision at least once, facilitating a more comprehensive evaluation at subsequent conferences. One notable…
Messner Reeves LLP, a prominent Colorado-based law firm, is facing serious legal scrutiny following allegations of a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme. Five businesses have brought a lawsuit against the firm in federal court, accusing it of misappropriating over $8 million through what they describe as a fraudulent loan scheme linked to a failed sports arena and…
During oral argument in January on an Idaho law barring transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, Justice Sonia Sotomayor briefly reflected on the spotlight that comes with being involved in a Supreme Court case. She noted that having your name on a brief draws attention to you not only as a litigant…
In a recent legal development, Joe Gibbs Racing LLC’s attempt to expedite a trial in its trade secrets lawsuit against former competition director Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports has been labeled as “aggressive and unrealistic.” Gabehart has requested a delay of the trial, proposing a more feasible date in May 2027 rather than the initially…
Fox Rothschild LLP has announced the hiring of Douglas Ryder, previously the co-chair of Holland & Knight LLP’s sports industry team in Washington, D.C., to bolster their entertainment and sports law practice. This strategic addition is expected to enhance Fox Rothschild’s capabilities in handling complex legal issues related to sports and entertainment industries. Ryder brings…
Tyrone Thomas, a seasoned sports lawyer, has recently joined Fox Rothschild LLP as a partner in their Washington, DC office. This move is part of the firm’s strategic effort to bolster its offerings in sports and entertainment law. Thomas, previously with Mintz Levin, brings a wealth of experience in handling compliance, employment, and governance matters,…