NHL Organization Set To Face Massive Lawsuit
As the much-anticipated NHL Winter Classic approaches, the Seattle Kraken find themselves entangled in an unusual issue just days before the event.
A 24-page trademark infringement lawsuit, revealed by the Seattle Times on Wednesday, takes aim at the Kraken's jersey design, the very uniform players are set to don on New Year's Day against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The legal matter revolves around Paul Kim, a dedicated youth hockey player and fan, who, in 2014, secured trademark rights to the name of the defunct Seattle Metropolitans, including the iconic "S" logo and associated colors.
The Winter Classic jerseys now face allegations of featuring a "virtually identical" red "S" logo and lettering to that used by the Metropolitans.
Amid deteriorating relations between Kim and the Kraken, the lawsuit further claims that the team coerced Kim into accepting "low-ball" licensing offers for the rights to the Metropolitans' logo and colors over the past few years.
Accusations extend to the Kraken's legal counsel, Lance Lopes, allegedly suggesting the consideration of an "alternate" Winter Classic jersey in February but failing to follow through.
Seeking both temporary and permanent injunctions, the lawsuit aims to block the Kraken from using the Metropolitans trademarks. However, with the Winter Classic imminent, a ruling before the event seems unlikely.
In response, a Kraken spokesperson stated,
As the Winter Classic unfolds, the legal saga is poised to continue, either within the courtroom or through an out-of-court settlement.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Kraken will win or lose the lawsuit? | ||
| Easily win | 254 | 51.9 % |
| Lose | 235 | 48.1 % |
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