NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo has reached a settlement in the $2 million lawsuit he filed against Viral Style over the use of the “Greek Freak” trademark.
Antetokounmpo has filed documents to the court saying that he is voluntarily dismissing all claims against Viral Style for using his "Greek Freak" trademark. The documents stated: “Plaintiff Giannis Antetokounmpo, through his undersigned counsel, hereby gives notice that the above-captioned action is voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice against the defendant, Viral Style L.L.C. as the parties have reached a settlement.”
The lawsuit was filed by the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player in August, accusing Viral Style of selling merchandise using his "Greek Freak" name. According to the lawsuit, the company violated his trademark by "designing, selling and distributing various products, including tees, hoodies and T-shirts, under the GREEK FREAK and GREEK FR34K marks brand mark and by using the GREEK FREAK and GREEK FR34K brand as the name of a clothing collection."
A cease and desist letter was sent by the Milwaukee Bucks forward's lawyers but Viral Style "failed to respond or cooperate to provide a truthful record of his profits from the sale of GREEK FREAK and GREEK FR34K branded products."
Antetokounmpo's lawyers pointed out: "There is no question that the products sold by Defendant under the GREEK FREAK and GREEK FR34K marks were sold by Defendant 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. Defendant therefore traded off the goodwill and reputation of Antetokounmpo by engaging in the unauthorized use of Antetokounmpo's trademark and publicity rights."
The trademark infringement lawsuit was seeking $2 million per per counterfeit mark per type of goods sold before Antetokounmpo decided to settle. This is the second settlement he reached over the trademark.
