Major League Baseball (MLB) might deliver a case towards the Overwatch League (OWL) over the similarities – akin to they’re – between the 2 organisations’ logos.
Here’s everything we know about the Overwatch League to this point.
Following the OWL emblem’s publication within the Official Gazette – basically the weekly publication of the US Patent and Trademark workplace – the MLB requested an extension of time to think about whether or not they may oppose it, in line with legislation agency Morrison Lee.
The submitting was made simply in the future earlier than the 30-day deadline.
Clearly there’s a stylistic likeness, however that’s additionally true of the NBA’s logo and also you don’t see MLB kicking off at them. Morrison Lee, being legal professionals, ask the suitable questions:
“Does the Overwatch League logo deceive fans into thinking the MLB is a participant? And is there really consumer confusion here? With both of these trademarks residing in the realm of sports and entertainment, this could be a tricky one.”
Call me biased however I do know the place I stand. It appears a petty factor for MLB to be doing, and the context of esports’ speedy ascendancy and the risk it represents for the viewership of conventional sports activities, particularly among the many younger, is troublesome to disregard.
The deadline for MLB to submit their opposition formally is July 26, and the ruling rests with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. We’ll let you already know what they determine.
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