US Olympic Committee Sues Prime Energy Drink

Above: PRIME energy drinks are seen on shelves at a Walmart Supercenter on July 10, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Image copyright: Brandon Bell/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Prime's use of Olympic-related trademarks infringes on the USOPC's legally protected intellectual property, allowing it to garner huge profits despite no official association. The committee has exclusive deals with brands like Coca-Cola for using Olympic trademarks, and Prime's unlicensed use of these trademarks undermines these agreements.

Narrative B

Prime Hydration is allowed to use Olympic-related phrases under Nominative Fair Use. Even if Prime isn't an official sponsor, it's not barred from discussing the Olympics. Since the company is simply promoting Kevin Durant as an athlete, the usage of USOPC's trademarks can't be deemed commercial.

Metaculus Prediction

There's an 80% chance that the US will top the Olympic medal table at Paris 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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