K&C Sports & Entertainment Law Weekly Roundup - August 2025 #2

Sports:

NFL

• The Denver Broncos told a Colorado state court Friday that a now-defunct coffee company illegally used the team’s intellectual property to sell products even though it owed the team over $1.5 million. Denver Broncos Say Coffee Co. Used IP Despite Owing $1.5M – Law360
• Sports fans could see changes in how they view NFL games and related content, thanks to a pending acquisition announced this week. ESPN plans to acquire the NFL Network, among other distribution rights, which could reshape the sports streaming era. ESPN to Acquire NFL Network and RedZone in Exchange for 10% Equity Stake – Kiplinger
• The National Football League has been infringing a late former alumni organization CEO’s trademarks on gold Hall of Fame blazers and a shield logo for 36 years, a Florida federal lawsuit claims. NFL Accused of Infringing Trademarks on Gold Jackets Since 1989 – Bloomberg

GOLF

• A Florida federal court has appointed a retired state circuit court judge to mediate the trademark infringement dispute between LIV Golf Inc. and the Stinger Tees merchandise company. LIV Golf, Stinger Tees Enter Mediation Over Trademark Clash – Law360
• Pro golfer Patrick Reed urged the full Eleventh Circuit Tuesday to take a second look at his failed defamation suit against a litany of media organizations and figures, arguing that a three-judge panel “abjectly failed” to properly review his complaints after their dismissal by a Florida federal judge. Golfer Wants Full 11th Circ. To Take Swing At Defamation Suit – Law360

NBA

• A contemporary artist sued the New Orleans Pelicans for using rows of wall-mounted deflated basketballs in the background of the team’s social media posts, alleging infringement of his art. NBA’s Pelicans Sued for Infringing Basketball Art on Instagram – Bloomberg

NHL

• The owners of the NHL’s Utah Mammoth have filed a lawsuit against a hockey equipment bag manufacturer to settle a trademark dispute. Utah Mammoth file lawsuit in dispute with bag manufacturer – ESPN

Entertainment:

LAWSUITS OF THE RICH & FAMOUS

• Blake Lively’s lawyers filed a motion for sanctions against Bryan Freedman, the lead counsel for Justin Baldoni, arguing that he has engaged in a pre-trial “press tour” to impugn Lively’s character. Blake Lively’s Lawyers Seek Sanctions Over Baldoni Attorney’s Press Tour’ The judge in the case warned all litigants not to use “intemperate” language and personal attacks in court filings. Blake Lively scores two wins in Justin Baldoni legal battle, as judge rules to keep deposition transcript under wrap
• A former Star Wars actor has agreed to drop her suit claiming that The Walt Disney Co. and Lucasfilm fired her for sharing her political views on social media, according to a joint stipulation of dismissal filed in CA federal court. Gina Carano reaches settlement with Disney and Lucasfilm over ‘Mandalorian’ firing
• EthereumMax buyers accusing celebrities such as Kim Kardashian of promoting the cryptocurrency allegedly used in a pump-and-dump scheme can certify subclasses in four states, but not their nationwide class, a federal judge ruled, agreeing with famed boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. that there’s a risk of CA and FL securities laws being inappropriately applied outside those states. EthereumMax Investors Win Partial Class-Action Approval in Key Legal Step

MUSIC

• A PA federal judge refused to delay a copyright trial against music superstar Missy Elliott until after a sanctions motion is decided, leaving the trial set for Aug. 25. Missy Elliott Producer Can’t Delay Copyright Trial – Law360
• Funk legend George Clinton has asked a FL federal court to reject sanctions and lawsuit dismissal bids from music executive Armen Boladian, arguing that his copyright ownership complaint is not frivolous. George Clinton Fights Sanctions In Decades-Long IP Battle – Law360
• The artist once known as Kanye West, Ye, and his associated companies have asked a CA federal court to reject a request for case-terminating sanctions in a lawsuit accusing him of ripping off copyrighted music for his 2021 Donda album, saying the defendants are trying to comply with discovery obligations. Ye Fights Sanctions Bid In IP Suit Involving DJ Khalil Music – Law360

MOVIES & TELEVISION

• A DE federal judge ruled that Warner Bros. Discovery cannot avoid a bench trial this month over whether its HGTV show Ugliest House in America infringes the trademarks of HomeVestors of America Inc., which owns marks for “We Buy Ugly Houses” and “Ugliest House of the Year” for an annual contest. 22-1583_1.pdf