Puma logo (L) and Sun Day Red Tiger logo (R)
Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Sun Day Red is not out of the woods yet in regards to trademarking its logo.
Footwear giant Puma filed a last-minute notice of opposition against Tiger Woods’ leaping cat logos tied to his Sun Day Red brand, according to a filing last week.
The German sneaker and apparel company says the Sun Day Red logo is too similar to the logo that Puma has been using since 1969. The company filed to prevent the TaylorMade-owned golf brand from being able to use its proposed mark.
“Due to the confusing similarity of the marks and the identical, legally identical, or closely related nature of the goods and services of the parties, consumer confusion is likely between the Challenged Marks and the Leaping Cat logo,” Puma said in the filing.
Side-by-side comparison showing the Puma logo (L) and the Sun Day Red Tiger logo (R).
Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Shoes showing Puma logo (L) and Sun Day Red Tiger logo (R).
Source: U.S. Patent and Trademake Office
In a statement to CNBC, TaylorMade said, “We feel very confident in our trademarks and logos.”
Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney at Gerben IP, said the challenge from Puma is “significant.”
“This is a real fight,” Gerben said. “Any time you have open litigation you can lose. I think Puma has a legitimate case.”
The two parties could still reach a settlement before the case goes to trial, likely in September 2026, according to Gerben.
Gerben said disputes over logos are much less common than trademark disputes over names or slogans.
“Tiger certainly has a target on his back,” he said. “He’s big enough to move markets.”
