US Olympic Committee Files Lawsuit Against Prime Energy Drinks for Alleged Trademark Infringement Involving Olympic Symbols and Phrases
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
4 minutes read. Updated 8:13PM GMT Wed, 31 July, 2024
The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has initiated a lawsuit against Prime energy drinks, a brand co-founded by Logan Paul and KSI. The lawsuit, filed in Colorado on Friday, accuses Prime of infringing on Olympic trademarks by using protected Olympic phrases and symbols on a special edition of their hydration drink, which prominently features basketball star and three-time Olympic gold medallist Kevin Durant.
According to the lawsuit, Prime’s use of these trademarks was unauthorized and occurred without any formal agreement with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The committee alleges that Prime’s actions were “deliberate” and carried out “in bad faith.” This legal action follows the committee’s issuance of a cease and desist letter to Prime, which the brand reportedly ignored, continuing to market the product with the contested branding.
The lawsuit further accuses Prime of employing Olympic trademarks in its online campaigns and promotions, potentially misleading consumers into believing that there is an official partnership or endorsement between Prime and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
In addition to the legal scrutiny, Prime has faced criticism over its marketing strategies, particularly due to its targeting of younger audiences. In the UK, some schools have issued warnings or outright bans against the brand. Despite the controversy, Prime continues to market two main products: an energy drink containing caffeine and a separate caffeine-free hydration drink.
Earlier this month, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for an investigation into Prime’s energy drink due to its high caffeine content. In response, Prime has asserted its adherence to regulatory standards in the countries where it operates.
Prime, which launched in the UK with significant fanfare in 2022, has seen considerable success, collaborating with prominent sporting figures and teams, including Arsenal and the LA Dodgers. The brand’s founders, Logan Paul and KSI, boast a combined following of over 40 million YouTube subscribers.
For more updates on this developing story, visit BBC News and CBS News.
