March 22, 2021
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Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (“PWLS”) and Pop Warner Authentic, Inc. (“PWA”) (collectively, “Pop Warner”) recently launched a trademark infringement claim against Hanesbrands, Inc. (“Hanes”).
Since 1929, Pop Warner has provided football and other activities to American youth. Today, over 325,000 kids participate in the non-profit organization’s activities. PWLS owns two federally registered trademarks for the POP WARNER logo. The marks cover clothing and “[o]rganizing and conducting youth football, flag football, and cheerleading teams to promote sportsmanship and scholarship.” PWA is the sole licensee of the Pop Warner trademarks; it manufactures PWLS merchandise.
The dispute arose because Hanes’s subsidiary brand, Champion, allegedly sold products online that included the Pop Warner mark without authorization.
Pop Warner requested that Hanes remove the merchandise and sent a follow-up cease and desist letter, but Hanes reportedly never responded. As a result, Pop Warner filed the complaint seeking injunctive relief and damages.
Authors: Aaron Barrett and Larissa Fulop