The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is suing Logan Paul and KSI’s PRIME energy drinks brand for trademark infringement.
The allegation claims that PRIME is using trademarked Olympic phrases and symbols on a special edition of its hydration drink featuring basketball star and three-time Olympic gold medallist Kevin Durant.
![CjVqHsx3oavqh97czZ5fUk-1200-80jpg | World Branding Forum PRIME](https://brandingforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CjVqHsx3oavqh97czZ5fUk-1200-80jpg.webp)
The Trademark Infringement Allegation
The committee said it does not have an agreement with PRIME for the use of its terminology and trademarks and that its actions have been “deliberate” and “in bad faith.” Initially, the committee said it had issued a cease-and-desist letter on July 10th to PRIME, but the brand had continued to distribute the allegedly infringing product using the branding.
Forced to escalate matters, the USOPC has initiated legal action to prevent further infringement and unequivocally distance itself from PRIME Hydration. The committee filed the lawsuit in Colorado on Friday and accused Prime of using the trademarks in internet campaigns and promotions.
The main issue arises from the use of trademarked phrasing such as “Going for Gold”, “Team USA”, “Olympian”, and even the simple term “Olympic”, as well as imagery related to the Olympic rings logo.
![83DhybvNv77vvKTqa7WE9B-970-80jpg | World Branding Forum Image Source: PRIME](https://brandingforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/83DhybvNv77vvKTqa7WE9B-970-80jpg.webp)
Ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which will start on July 26, 2024, the United States is primed to be a dominant force. The US team is expected to field a formidable contingent across a wide range of sports.
PRIME: Energy Drinks Brand
PRIME Hydration is a sports drink brand co-founded by popular YouTubers and boxers Logan Paul and KSI. Launched in the UK in 2022, the drink quickly gained immense popularity due to its creators’ massive following.
![_130335197_prime_new_drink | World Branding Forum Image Source: PRIME](https://brandingforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/130335197_prime_new_drink.jpg)
Capitalising on their combined social media influence, PRIME experienced unprecedented demand, leading to stock shortages and even the resale of the product at inflated prices. The brand expanded rapidly, securing partnerships with major sports teams and athletes, contributing to its global recognition. PRIME’s popularity has extended beyond the digital realm, with high-profile partnerships forged with sports giants like Arsenal and the LA Dodgers.