The Sports Authority sued by US Soccer Federation

Oops! TSA’s Bad! Gotcha July 7, 2010

The United States maybe behind the rest of the world when it comes to soccer but the Sports Authority (TSA), one of the largest retailers of athletic apparel in the country, tried to capitalize during the world cup events in South Africa. Michael Strahan appeared in a commercial which aired during the US and England game, sporting the official crest of the U S Soccer Federation (USSF). Although TSA does have a relationship with the USSF they were out of bounds in their attempt to market their merchandise during the FIFA games.

The USSF has an exclusive agreement with Dick’s Sporting Goods to market with the office logo and crest. TSA can and does sell USSF products but they do not have the right to advertise using the crest. “The infringement enjoined retailer The Sports Authority from running ads depicting official U.S. soccer trademarks and players, granting an emergency motion by the U.S. Soccer Federation Inc. in its suit accusing the company of seeking an unfair competitive edge and interfering with endorsement contracts through infringing ads.” (Forbes.com 2010)

Judge William H. Hibbler granted a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, called for the plaintiff to post a $25,000 bond and set a status hearing for June 28. (Forbes.com)

I am like many Americans, we know more about basketball, baseball and football than soccer, but to the rest of the world soccer is the number 1 sport. "TSA's misuse of U.S. Soccer's marks, logos and uniforms is likely to cause confusion, mistake and deception among consumers and give the false impression that U.S. Soccer has an authorized relationship with TSA, which it most clearly does not." (Eurosport.yahoo)

I think because of the FIFA’s games being viewed by such a large audience that, TSA wanted to get the added exposure to boost their reputation around the world. It seems to me that they should have known that they would be scrutinized and consequently fined, “The U.S. Soccer Federation is seeking to stop Sports Authority from using its trademarks, triple and punitive damages, and other remedies” (Reuters.com) but apparently they did not care.

After all is said and done the TSA commercial featuring Michael Strahan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXcrUhUkQqk
(Commercial with Michael Strahan, displaying the crest of the US Soccer) was viewed by millions of sports fans and although TSA was enjoined with a $25,000 bond,and ordered to stop airing the spot, I would think that they got more than they bargained for with the added PR around this lawsuit.

Case 1:10-cv-03755 Document 1 Filed 06/17/10 Page 1 of 20