March 9, 2011
Infringement by a Former Licensee of PGA TOUR, Inc.

A Thai company that was formerly an authorized licensee of PGA TOUR, Inc., a well-known organizer of professional golf tournaments, continued to distribute PGA TOUR apparel products bearing PGA TOUR trademarks after the agreement was legitimately terminated. The distributed products were identical to the originals but were deemed to be infringing products because the trademark owner’s authorization had ended with the termination of the licensing agreement.

Tilleke & Gibbins initially advised the client on litigation strategies. Ultimately, however, our firm assisted the client to successfully negotiate with the Thai company to surrender its remaining stock, amounting to approximately one thousand items, for destruction.