German sportswear giant PUMA has initiated legal action against Tiger Woods’ clothing line, Sun Day Red, alleging that its logo bears a striking resemblance to PUMA’s iconic “Leaping Cat” design, which has been in use since 1969. In its petition to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, PUMA claims the similarities between the logos and the overlapping nature of the goods and services could result in consumer confusion, according to Joel Beall of Golf Digest.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of another legal battle involving Sun Day Red. In September, Tigeraire filed a separate lawsuit accusing the brand of “unlawfully hijacking” its leaping tiger logo design. Sun Day Red countersued, and the matter remains unresolved.
Sun Day Red, introduced in February 2024, marked a new chapter for Woods after the conclusion of his 27-year partnership with Nike. The brand’s logo—a leaping tiger with 15 stripes—pays homage to Woods’ 15 major championship victories. Despite the legal disputes, Sun Day Red has maintained its growing presence in the golf world, with Woods showcasing the apparel during his recent TGL debut.
A TaylorMade representative, commenting on the ongoing trademark challenges, expressed confidence in the distinctiveness and protection of Sun Day Red’s branding. As the litigation unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications for trademark boundaries in the competitive sportswear market.
