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Footwear manufacturer Pony is suing much larger (and presumably richer) foe Nike (NYSE: NKE). Pony contends that Nike has infringed on its "iconic logo" (look familiar?) in Nike's new "V for Victory" soccer advertising campaign.
Pony contends that the chevron seen on the player's chests is far too close to its chevron-based logo, which the company has used for 35 years.
Pony stated, "The key distinguishing feature of the [Nike] campaign is the use of a chevron mark, which is identical or virtually identical to the registered trademarks owned by Pony."
Does Pony have a point? Yes, but I have some problems I feel I should address here. First, I am no legal or design expert, but isn't Pony's original chevron logo a bit similar to Nike's iconic swoosh?
Second, I showed similar shoes in the first paragraph (the Jordan Ones and the Pony City Wings) -- and those shoes look eerily similar, don't they? Don't think that Pony didn't notice the popularity of the Jordans and try to capitalize on it for some cash.
Furthermore, Pony sells these vintage runners for $67 a pop. Look familiar?
Another problem I have, why isn't Pony suing oil company Chevron as well? I mean, the company's name is a total infringement, isn't it? Bottom line: Pony isn't trying to catch up to Chevron, but they sure as heck are trying to take some of Nike's market. That is why the California-based Pony gifted Nike with the lawsuit. It certainly seems that the smaller Pony is trying to take a chunk out of the big guys by trying to legally force Nike to admitting fault. I certainly hope Pony isn't going to hold its breath, because I'm guessing the sportswear beast of the Great Northwest isn't going to back off its advertising campaign.
On another note, I was perusing Darren Rovell's blog over at CNBC and found this item. I have one question about this Fifth Third Burger, who's with me? C'mon, perhaps (one of) my loyal reader(s) will join me in Michigan to see who can chow down on this 5,000-calorie monstrosity. The West Michigan Whitecaps sold 107 of these babies at $20 a shot on opening night. Thirty-two of those attempted to eat the burger alone, and 17 succeeded (earning a t-shirt). Baby, I'm going for the shirt, so I hope it is an XXL (perhaps a XXXXL after eating the burger). Who isn't game for a burger topped with chili, cheese, fritos, sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, and more? My mouth is watering (and my stomach churning) just thinking about it. If you're with me, let me know in the comments -- we can organize a road trip (that is, if my wife will let me and we reinforce the bathroom).
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-10-2009 @ 2:27PM
Steve said...
Regarding the Pony/Chevron Petrol Company similarity, there isn't an infringement issue because the companies are in completely different industries, and are not directly competing for sales.
You have to prove in court that the similarity is causing (or will likely cause) a loss of business.
At least when I worked in the marketing department for a major networking solutions company, that was one of the hard 'n' fast rules we used when brainstorming new product names.
4-10-2009 @ 6:16PM
Pat said...
Interesting story, but with your sidenotes, you really made it clear that you've taken Nike's side in the argument. Also, Pony won't go after Chevron because they're in seperate industries. People see the Nike ad, think that's the Pony logo and could believe that Nike has bought Pony out and that looks bad for the company.
Also the chevron doesn't look like the swoosh, and Nike and Pony both came out in '72, the logos for both would have been in development for months beforehand.
And the vintage runners that "look familiar"? Just look like runners to me, its a basic shoe style. (Oh yes, those Pony Wings do look like the Jordans, but if they were in blue instead of the very similar orange, would your comparison had as much punch?)
4-10-2009 @ 7:36PM
ken said...
Who cares they are both overpriced and China made garbage!!!!
4-11-2009 @ 3:43AM
Greg said...
Idiotic! Can't hock your junk, sue your rival. Truly pathetic!
4-13-2009 @ 7:13AM
D.Simonton said...
Pony sucks anyways, but then again so does Nike. Pony is clearly the cry baby here though. Whiners, get a life dudes!
4-13-2009 @ 7:58AM
Bob said...
Steve is not entirely correct about the different business thing. When the Jacksonville Jaguars first started, they werre sued (and lost) by Jaguar car company because the team logo was too similar to the car logo.
The team had to change the logo!
4-13-2009 @ 8:32AM
faye said...
PONY IS STILL IN BUSINESS?? :-0
Seriously, times are so hard now for so many, including businesses, I wont be suprised if we hear more about law suits.
4-13-2009 @ 9:48AM
Adam said...
Does anybody even wear Pony footwear anymore? I don't think I've seen them since the mid 1980's!
4-13-2009 @ 10:14AM
Panapada said...
Does PONY stand for Piss On New York? Cross product lawsuits, did Sony, the Electronic Giant, not sue Streets of New York when the latter tried to sell Pizzas using SO with NY under the SO? Maybe they did not sue, buy SONY, the pizza people, backed down from using SONY.
4-13-2009 @ 10:20AM
Panapada said...
Nike, what's up with the power? Is that gay or what?
4-13-2009 @ 11:11AM
Captain Hook said...
DEATH to Cowardly Pirates!
4-13-2009 @ 11:58AM
CHUCK said...
Come on guys,They are not talking about the gas company. A chevron is a type of logo.
4-13-2009 @ 12:02PM
jazzyg410 said...
If both of these companies depended on surviving on my hard earned money the would both go under. The are overprised and only capitalise on the ignorance of our young people.I'ts only vanity when consumers choose to buy brand name products. I believe people are starting to take notice. WE are working hard for our money and want to spend it wisely.
4-13-2009 @ 12:35PM
BHKmatt said...
a chevron is the v shaped logo, like that kind military or police use on their sleeve.
4-13-2009 @ 1:23PM
david said...
Bob is wrong about the Jaguars logo. There was never a lawsuit. The car company asked them not to use their logo and they complied. They would never have won a trademark infringement case.