Tiger Woods has been accused of ‘unlawful hijacking’ over the logo of his clothing brand Sun Day Red.
American company Tigeraire, which designs air-conditioned helmets for athletes as well as fans for industrial workers, has filed a notice of opposition to the US Patent and Trademark office.
Both logos represent the shape of a Tiger and bear a very similar resemblance. Sun Day Red’s has 15 lines as a tribute to the number of major titles Woods has won in his illustrious career.
‘The actions of SDR, TaylorMade and Tiger Woods blatantly ignore Tigeraire’s long-standing protected mark, brand and identity, violate federal and state intellectual property law, and disregard the consumer confusion their actions create. SDR’s application should be denied,’ the court filing said.
Woods and Sun Day Red now have 40 days to respond but it means his application for the trademark is on hold, although it’s not expected to affect production.
American company Tigeraire have accused Tiger Woods of ‘hijacking’ their logo for his brand
Sun Day Red was launched back in May after Woods’ historic 27-year, $500million partnership with Nike came to an end.
But it was instantly met with anger from fans because over the exorbitant price tags and lack of range.
In addition to polo shirts, which range from $115 to $150, the brand is also selling hoodies for $200, shorts for $135, pants for $165 and hats for $50.
It got its name from the fact that Woods always wears red on Sunday, the final day of tournaments.
TaylorMade Golf, who launched Sun Day Red with Woods, told CNBC in response to the court filing: ‘We have full confidence in the securitization of our trademarks.’
Both the logos in question represent the shape of a Tiger and bear a very similar resemblance
Earlier this month, Woods was slammed for his ‘disgusting and unacceptable’ decision to meet with LIV Golf’s Saudi Arabian backers in New York City – just a day before the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
The 48-year-old also announced he had undergone surgery for nerve impingement in his lower back.
Woods has dealt with extensive injury issues in recent years, as he was involved in a serious car accident in 2021 that broke his right leg and ankle and required emergency surgery.
He has only played six rounds since Sun Day Red launched, missing the cut at the USPGA, US Open and Open Championship.
