In a recent trademark dispute involving two sportswear brands, Puma and Sun Day Red by Tiger Woods, both known for their “big cat” logos, Singapore regulators have concluded that there is no risk of causing confusion among consumers. The controversy was brought to an end by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (Ipos).
Trademark Dispute Settlement
The dispute was sparked by Sun Day Red’s trademark application, which was met with opposition from Puma. The trademarks, both featuring “big cat” designs, were scrutinized following an application submitted by Sun Day Red on January 18, 2024. Puma declared its opposition to the application just 11 days later.
According to Ipos, the onus was on Puma to prove the likelihood of confusion between the two marks. To successfully oppose the trademark application, Puma needed to show similarities in the design of the logos, as well as in the goods and services associated with each logo.
Brand Backgrounds
The brand Sun Day Red was founded in 2024, with golf legend Tiger Woods and TaylorMade Golf as its creators. The brand name was inspired by Woods’ tradition of wearing red during the final rounds of golf tournaments. Puma, however, has been a staple in Singapore since 2007, when it set up its Southeast Asia hub in the city-state.
In its defense, Sun Day Red argued that the animals depicted in the competing trademarks were distinct, highlighting that its logo features a tiger, indicated by a stripe pattern, whereas Puma’s logo is based on the animal of the same name.
Regulator’s Ruling
Upon reviewing the evidence presented by both parties, Ipos determined that the competing marks had significant visual differences. “The competing marks differ in terms of composition, shape, features, and movement, and these differences influence the consumer’s overall impression of the marks,” Ipos stated.
In relation to the potential confusion among consumers, Ipos clarified that, due to the visual dissimilarities and the level of attention typically given during the purchasing process, consumers were unlikely to mistake one brand for the other.
Questions & Answers
What was the basis of the trademark dispute between Puma and Sun Day Red?
The dispute centered around the “big cat” logos used by both brands, with Puma opposing Sun Day Red’s trademark application.
Which factors did Ipos consider in resolving the trademark dispute?
Ipos evaluated the visual similarities between the logos, the goods and services associated with each logo, and the potential for consumer confusion.
What were the final conclusions of Ipos regarding the trademark dispute?
Ipos concluded that the logos were visually different and that consumers would not likely confuse one brand for the other due to these differences and the degree of attention involved in the purchasing process.
