Update: A summary judgement was ruled for this case. A federal judge ruled that the “Worlds” and “The Cheerleading Worlds” trademarks held by USASF are too generic for protection, leading to a summary judgment in favor of the defendants.
The United States All Star Federation Inc. (USASF) has initiated a lawsuit against two emerging companies, accusing them of trademark infringement. The lawsuit, lodged in Florida federal court on Tuesday, targets the Texas-based Open Cheer & Dance Championship Series and Florida-based The Open Cheer and Dance.
USASF, known for organizing the annual Cheerleading Worlds event broadcasted annually on ESPN, claims that these startups have adopted event names such as “Allstar Worlds” and “Allstar World Championship,” which closely mimic its own trademarked titles. The federation asserts that the defendants have simply prefixed the term “Allstar” to “Worlds,” creating potential confusion among consumers.
Additionally, the lawsuit highlights that the startups are using logos that bear a strong resemblance to USASF’s, featuring a circular design with “World” prominently displayed in the center. USASF argues that these similarities are deliberate attempts to capitalize on the reputation and recognition of its season-ending championship event, which takes place every April in Orlando.
