Wilson over Brandon Phillips Gold Glove — Rawlings sues

There’s gold in them there gloves.

Just in time for the Major League Baseball All Start Game comes this lawsuit between two baseball equipment manufacturers.

Rawlings Sporting Goods, which has given the “Gold Glove” award since 1957, is a bit peeved that one of its rivals has produced a glove with gold on it.

The lawsuit (pdf) claims that Wilson Sporting Goods has produced an infringing baseball glove that is being used by Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips. Phillips is a three-time recipient of Rawlings’ Gold Glove Award, but he’s a paid endorser for Wilson. Wilson produced a glove for Phillips to wear and use in endorsements that includes gold colored webbing. Rawlings claims this infringes its trademark since it’s likely to confuse viewers.

Rawlings is suing for federal trademark infringement, unfair competition, dilution, and a couple state claims.

Right: an exhibit in the lawsuit showing Phillips wearing the allegedly infringing baseball glove.