Nike, Inc. has sued FIFA, soccer's world governing body, over the phrase “USA 2003”. Nike claims in its suit that it has the right to use the phrase to promote the U.S. women's national team even though trademark rights might be violated in the process. The action is seen as a preemptive move before FIFA was able to file a suit of its own.
FIFA, in a letter to Nike dated September 11th, had threatened a suit over trademarked phrases such as “France 98,” “Korea/Japan 2002” and “Germany 2006.” The organization has fought and defended its rights to those trademarks and considers “USA 2003” to be no different.
FIFA told Nike it was engaging in unfair competition and false advertising and was likely to confuse consumers, who might believe that Nike was sponsoring events staged by the association.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, asks the court to rule that Nike's use of “USA 2003” does not infringe in trademark rights or violate any laws or rights of the association.
The 2003 Women's World Cup was first slated to be played in China but was moved to the United States because of the SARS outbreak.
