LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The author of “Inner Game'' motivational books is suing sportswear giant Adidas AG in Los Angeles for allegedly ripping-off the title of his book series in order to sell soccer footwear, according to court papers obtained today.
Timothy Gallwey, author of “The Inner Game of Tennis'' and other “Inner Game'' self-help books, alleges that Adidas is infringing his trademark to sell Nemeziz cleats and soccer shoes, according to the complaint filed Wednesday in federal court.
An Adidas spokesman said the company does not comment on pending litigation.
The author and motivational speaker contends that from May 2019 through later that year, Adidas used the term “Inner Game'' in its marketing and advertising efforts on its various websites both in the United States and Europe to market and promote a series of injection packs of Nemeziz and X soccer cleats, without his knowledge or authorization.
The lawsuit, brought by Gallwey's Sherman Oaks-based company, Inner Games Resources, contends that “given the worldwide renown of the trademark and the Inner Game concept ... it is very likely that the company knew that Inner Game Resources Inc. had been using, and Mr. Gallwey had registered, the trademark.''
Gallwey alleges that Adidas' use of the Inner Game term “constitutes a transparent attempt to trade on the goodwill associated with Mr. Gallwey's intellectual property. Adidas' adoption and use of the trademark also creates confusion among consumers and falsely gives the impression that the Adidas' athletic footwear is somehow associated with or sanctioned by'' Gallwey or his Inner Game concept, “which it is not,'' the lawsuit states.
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