Giannis Antetokounmpo secures ‘Greek Freak’ trademark

Two time MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo won a court case last week pertaining to the use of the ‘Greek Freak’ nickname, image and likeness rights.

Antetokounmpo’s alias had been misappropriated and used to advertise merchandise such as athletic clothing, accessories, basketballs, cards and even illegal substances.

The five-time All-Star Milwaukee Bucks player won the case as a federal magistrate James Cott in New York ruled Sherrie Richardson-Miller and Jordan Reyes to pay Antetokounmpo his attorneys’ fees and other costs as well as percentages for using his trademark and NIL in products sold on etsy.com, redbubble.com and other online platforms.

For the IP rights violation the defendants should pay $11,304.40.

“Antetokounmpo owns the federally registered ‘Greek Freak’ trademark and has licensed his NIL for endorsed products,” the judge ruled.

“Consumers could be confused as to which ones Antetokounmpo actually endorses,” the judge ruled.

Even though the fine might seem too small for the NBA millionaire, it sets a precedent for future attempts to use the ‘Greek Freak’ name in an unauthorised way.

neoskosmos.com