San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is suing a Texas man for using his name and likeness for a profit without permission. In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, Wembanyama’s attorneys accuse James T. Glodich of filing trademark applications for the terms “El-Wemby” and “Wemby’s World” to be placed on clothing and merchandise.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office turned both applications down because it “may falsely suggest a connection with Victor Wembanyama, commonly referred to as ‘Wemby,’” the lawsuit states.
TOP NEWS
RELATED: Shaquille O’Neal casts doubts about Victor Wembanyama
The lawsuit also alleges that multiple cease-and-desist letters have been sent to Glodich and all have been unanswered. Wembanyama’s attorneys claim that Glodich’s actions have harmed the NBA star’s reputation while allowing the retailer to mislead customers and profit from Wemby’s popularity.
They are reportedly asking a judge to order Glodich to stop selling all items related to Wembanyama and to compensate him for the damages. This case may not only impact Wembanyama’s NIL usage, but it could set a precedent for how star athletes can defend their name, image and likeness from unauthorized use.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
