Antetokounmpo sues artist over alleged ‘Greek Freak’ knockoffs

·

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 2019 National Basketball Association most valuable player, sued a Pennsylvania man on Monday for allegedly selling “Greek Freak” t-shirts and other clothing without permission.

Antetokounmpo accused Jinder Bhogal, who sells clothing inspired by NBA players on his website, of trying to piggyback off his “Greek Freak” trademark, which was registered last year, and profit from the Bucks star’s success.

According to the complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, Bhogal acted in bad faith “with the purpose of confusing and misleading consumers into believing that they are purchasing products associated with or endorsed by Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the most successful and popular NBA players.”

Antetokounmpo also said Bhogal did not respond to his May 3 “cease and desist” letter to stop selling infringing products, including hoodies.

A call to a number listed for Bhogal in Reading, Pennsylvania seeking comment was not immediately returned.

Antetokounmpo is seeking at least $2 million of damages, including unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and an injunction against further infringements.

The lawsuit included an illustration in which Bhogal allegedly put Antetokounmpo’s face on a body with antlers, and offered Bucks fans 10% off for deciding to “get your Greek Freak tee for the next round of the playoffs!”

Bhogal’s website also offers clothing featuring depictions of former NBA MVPs Stephen Curry and James Harden.
Antetokounmpo, 24, was born in Greece to Nigerian immigrants and raised there. He has played for the Bucks since 2013, and averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game in the 2018-19 season. The case is Antetokounmpo v. Bhogal, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 19-06304.

Source: Reuters

Advertisement

Source:Reuters

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Honour a loved one of Hellenic heritage on the National Monument to Migration

The name of a loved one with Hellenic heritage can be engraved on Australia's Notional Monument to Migration if you register before June 30.

Shadow Minister slams government inaction as Google cuts ethnic media funding deal early

Google's early exit from a key funding deal puts independent Australian media at risk, drawing backlash from federal Opposition.

Youthful St George Saints devastated by double header defeat

The St George Saints Mens White team faced a tough double header last weekend against two powerhouse opponents.

Ceasefire brings relief, but travel disruptions continue for some Greek Australians

Greek Australians flying to Europe via the Middle East continue to experience significant delays, rerouted connections and unexpected costs.

Dean Kalimniou’s new poetry collection explores deep roots of language and violence

A new poetry collection by acclaimed Melbourne-based author, poet, and lawyer Dean Kalimniou has just been published in Athens.

You May Also Like

Angela Vithoulkas enters race for Sydney Lord Mayor

The Sydney Councillor announced this morning that she will run as a candidate under the Small Business Party, a party she founded in 2018.

Maira Myrogianni appointed Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad

Maira Myrogianni has taken over from John Chrysoulakis as Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad.

Greek Easter: How Greece celebrated its greatest feast with pandemic restrictions

Worshippers lined up at churches across Greece on Holy Saturday as the government kept pandemic restrictions in place through Easter.