Ralph Lauren Bullies Real Polo Company

Filed Under: Legal Matters Business Blitz Ralph Lauren

This is sort of strange on a few levels.

The U.S. Polo Association has filed suit against Polo Ralph Lauren for attempting to block the sports association from using its trademark double horsemen logo to market their upcoming line of fragrances.

Apparently, when the USPA applied to register the double horsemen and various other trademarks for the endeavor, PRL opposed the filing. According to the USPA's attorney, "PRL's opposition significantly impedes the ability of the U.S. Polo Association to fully exploit its valuable trademarks." What's more, the USPA's licensee, Jordache, has said that it will not sell the fragrances to many retailers because it does not believe that people will sell a product that PRL opposes. Therein, the opposition is damaging on a few levels.

The two organizations have sparred legally since 1984, when the USPA initiated attempts to license its name. In October 2005, a judge ruled that the USPA and Jordache have the right to use three versions of the double horsemen logo. PRL appealed, but the ruling was upheld in March 2008.

We think this is strange for two reasons: first and foremost, why is the USPA trying to hawk fragrances?? So strange!

Secondly, why is Polo still trying to obstruct their legal right to use the logos?? Give up!

Seems like Ralph Lauren is just bullying, to us!

[Image via AP Images.]

Posted: November 18, 2009 at 6:26 pm