The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee is suing Logan Paul and KSI’s energy drink brand Prime for trademark infringement.
The organisation overseeing US Olympic teams filed a federal lawsuit on Friday, accusing Prime of using symbols and phrases trademarked by the committee on one of its drinks featuring Olympic gold medalist and NBA player Kevin Durant.
The complaint states: “Prime Hydration has used the following Olympic-related terminology and trademarks on product packaging, Internet advertising and in promotions featuring a Prime Hydration flavour and athlete Kevin Durant.”
Furthermore, the committee alleges that Prime continued to sell and market the drink over a week after attorneys sent the company a cease-and-desist letter.
“Despite numerous requests from (the committee), Defendant did not remove all infringing social media posts,” the complaint continued.
This is regarding a post by the drink brand that read: “Step up your hydration game with the Kevin Durant Olympic Prime Drink!”
The Olympic Committee’s attorneys described the company’s actions as “intentional, deliberate, and conducted in bad faith”.
The 2024 Summer Olympics are scheduled in Paris from 26 July to 11 August. The organisation has expressed concerns that people might mistakenly believe it has partnered with Prime, which could harm its actual partnership with Coca-Cola.
Founded in 2022 by YouTubers Paul and KSI, the brand has quickly expanded beyond its initial market. Leveraging the founders’ global fame and appeal among young audiences, the company has formed partnerships with numerous sports clubs and organisations.
Notably, Prime announced a deal with WWE earlier this year to become the organisation’s official hydration partner and most recently partnered with Portuguese football club SL Benfica.
Following the lawsuit, Prime has not yet issued an official statement.
