US Hockey League Concerned Over Tarnished Reputation

The US National Hockey League (NHL) has filed a trade mark infringement claim against beer mug manufacturer, Roger Dewey, and his three business entities A&R Collectables, The Hockey Cup and ABC Stein. The NHL has alleged that the Defendants have used its trade marks in the marketing and selling of plastic beer steins.

The claim, filed at the District Court of New York, alleges that the Defendants have made "extensive" use of NHL's registered intellectual property rights, in particular the registered design it holds for the Stanley Cup, the trophy given to winners of the annual NHL championship. The Defendants have allegedly replicated the Stanley Cup in the form of a plastic beer stein and sold it on various platforms under the name 'The Stanley Stein'. The NHL have also complained about the packaging of the stein, in that it copies the well known travel case for the Stanley Cup trophy.

The Defendants attempted to register the design of their plastic beer stein, but this was met with an opposition from the NHL. It has since been reported that the Defendants have responded by seeking to invalidate all twelve of the 'Stanley Cup' word and design mark registrations.

The NHL have complained that the Defendant's unauthorised use of its trade marks and trade dress has tarnished its reputation. It is for this reason the NHL is seeking an injunction against the Defendants as well as damages.

If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to contact the team at McDaniel & Co. on 0191 281 4000 or legal@mcdanielslaw.com.