Puma logo (L) and Sun Day Red Tiger logo (R)
Source: US Patent and Trademark Office
Sun Day Red is still undecided about trademarking its logo.
Shoe giant Puma has filed a last-minute notice of opposition to Tiger Woods’ logos associated with its Sun Day Red brand, according to submission last week.
The German sneaker and apparel company says the Sun Day Red logo is too similar to the logo Puma has used since 1969. The company has filed to prevent the TaylorMade-owned golf brand from using its proposed mark.
“Due to the confusing similarity of the marks and the identical, legally identical or closely related nature of the parties’ goods and services, consumer confusion between the Challenged Marks and the Leaping Cat logo is likely,” Puma said in the filing.
Side-by-side comparison showing the Puma logo (L) and the Sun Day Red Tiger logo (R).
Source: US Patent and Trademark Office
Shoes with Puma logo (L) and Sun Day Red Tiger logo (R).
Source: US Patent and Trade Office
In a statement to CNBC, TaylorMade said, “We feel very confident in our brands and logos.”
Josh Gerben, Trademark Attorney at Gerben IPhe said Puma’s challenge was “significant”.
“This is a real fight,” said Gerben, whose company is not involved in the lawsuit against Puma. “Any time you have open litigation you can lose. I think Puma has a legitimate case.”
The two sides may still reach a settlement before the case goes to trial, likely in September 2026, according to Gerben.
Gerben said logo disputes are much less common than trademark disputes over names or slogans.
“The tiger certainly has a target on its back,” he said. “He’s big enough to move the markets.”
