Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red brand, a personal venture launched after his split with Nike, has encountered another legal obstacle in its efforts to trademark its logo. On January 2, Puma filed a formal notice of opposition against the Sun Day Red emblem, claiming it bears a strong resemblance to Puma’s iconic “Leaping Cat” logo, which the company has used for over half a century.
Puma’s Argument Against the Sun Day Red Logo
The dispute centers around Sun Day Red’s logo, a stylized depiction of a tiger in motion, composed of 15 distinct lines—each representing one of Woods’ 15 major championship victories. Puma contends that the logo is too similar to its own, potentially causing confusion among consumers.
“Due to the confusing similarity of the marks and the identical, legally identical, or closely related nature of the goods and services of the parties, consumer confusion is likely between the Challenged Marks and the Leaping Cat logo,” Puma stated in its filing.
This opposition halts Sun Day Red’s trademark registration process and puts the brand in the position of defending its design in what could become a drawn-out legal battle.
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Sun Day Red’s Origins
Sun Day Red, created in collaboration with TaylorMade, symbolizes Tiger Woods’ legacy and iconic presence in golf. The brand name itself pays homage to Woods’ signature “Sunday Red” outfits, worn during final rounds of tournaments throughout his storied career.
The launch of Sun Day Red followed Woods’ split from Nike after a 27-year partnership. In addition to apparel, the brand aims to expand into broader markets, offering Woods fans and sports enthusiasts a piece of his legacy.
TaylorMade, a key partner in the endeavor, issued a statement expressing confidence in the logo’s legality and uniqueness.
“We feel very confident in our trademarks and logos,” a TaylorMade spokesperson told CNBC.
Previous Challenges
Puma is not the first company to take issue with the Sun Day Red logo. Tigeraire, a company specializing in personal air products, filed its own opposition three months ago, claiming the Sun Day Red emblem infringes on their own tiger-related branding. That case has escalated to federal litigation and remains unresolved.
What’s at Stake
For Sun Day Red, the trademark dispute goes beyond branding—it’s about protecting the identity of a venture that represents Woods’ accomplishments and influence in sports.
Puma, on the other hand, argues that protecting its 56-year-old logo is critical to maintaining its brand equity in the competitive athletic apparel and equipment market.
The Road Ahead
As the legal battles over the Sun Day Red logo continue, Woods and TaylorMade will need to navigate challenges from multiple fronts. The resolution of these disputes will determine not only the brand’s ability to use its chosen logo but also its broader market viability.
With two major companies now opposing the trademark, the future of the Sun Day Red logo remains uncertain.
One thing is clear: this legal drama underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights in a crowded marketplace, where even icons like Tiger Woods must defend their creative visions.
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