USOPC Files Lawsuit Against Prime Hydration LLC for Unauthorised Use of Olympic Trademarks

On July 19, 2024, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) initiated legal proceedings against Prime Hydration LLC, a beverage company co-founded by Logan Paul and KSI. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Colorado, accuses Prime Hydration of using Olympic trademarks and related terminology without authorisation.

Key Allegations

The USOPC alleges that Prime Hydration has unlawfully utilised Olympic-related trademarks and phrases such as "OLYMPIC," "OLYMPIAN," "TEAM USA," and "GOING FOR GOLD" on its product packaging, online advertisements, and promotional materials, including those featuring three-time Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant.

Legal Foundation

The lawsuit emphasises the critical role that licensing Olympic trademarks plays in funding the US Olympic Team. The Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act grants the USOPC exclusive rights to commercially exploit Olympic marks and symbols within the United States. This revenue supports the country's participation in the Olympics.

Trademark Agreements and Alleged Infringement

The USOPC's complaint details several registered trademarks and references an agreement with Coca-Cola, which holds exclusive rights to use Olympic trademarks for beverages in the US. The USOPC claims that Prime Hydration’s actions amount to trademark infringement, unfair competition, and dilution of the Olympic marks' distinctive quality. Furthermore, the committee argues that Prime Hydration’s use of these marks could create consumer confusion regarding the source of its products and its association with the USOPC.

Willful Infringement

The USOPC points to the willful nature of the infringement, citing a letter dated July 10, 2024, that demanded Prime Hydration cease its unauthorised use of the trademarks. Despite this notice and subsequent requests, Prime Hydration allegedly continued its use of the infringing marks.

Remedies Sought

The USOPC has requested a jury trial and is seeking several forms of relief, including:

• A declaration that Prime Hydration's use of the marks constitutes trademark infringement, false advertising, and unfair competition.

• An injunction to prevent further commercial use of the infringing marks.
• A recall of all products bearing the unauthorised marks.
• Disgorgement of profits earned from the sale of infringing products.
• Compensation for damages sustained by the USOPC, including lost sponsorship revenue.
• Reimbursement of reasonable attorneys fees.

This case underscores the USOPC's strict enforcement of its intellectual property rights and the significant legal risks faced by companies that use protected trademarks without authorisation.