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NBA star LaMelo Ball, his family, and Puma North America Inc. must face a trademark infringement lawsuit related to Ball's signature shoes, a California federal judge ruled Monday. The suit, brought by Gregory Alan Foster, centers on a dispute over ownership of trademarks tied to Ball's brand and products.

LaMelo Ball trademark infringement Lawsuit: Dispute Over Trademark Ownership

U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha ruled that the case would proceed, citing unresolved questions about who owns the trademarks at issue, including the MB1 mark, which was used for LaMelo Ball’s first signature shoe. Foster alleges that the Ball family and Puma violated his trademark rights through LaMelo's Puma shoes, and he disputes a claim by the Ball family that the marks were properly transferred to a new corporate entity.

The trademark dispute traces back to Ball's high school days when Foster entered a business partnership with the Ball family to establish Big Baller Brand (BBB LLC), a merchandising firm for footwear and apparel. The company released the MB1 shoe, and Foster contends he co-owned the trademark.

Contested Transfer of Assets

Foster's relationship with the Ball family eventually soured. According to court documents, LaVar Ball dissolved BBB LLC and transferred its assets, including the MB1 mark, to a new entity, BBB Inc., without Foster's consent. Foster claims this transfer was invalid and asserts that the trademark cannot be moved without his approval as a co-owner. LaVar Ball’s actions, Foster argues, amount to theft of the MB1 trademark.

Judge Aenlle-Rocha noted that Foster has not conceded ownership of the MB1 mark, contrary to the defendants’ claims. Instead, the court found that Foster has standing to bring the case, and jurisdiction over the claims was upheld.

Attempts to Strike Allegations Denied

In addition to their defense against the trademark claims, LaMelo Ball, his family, and Puma North America sought to strike certain allegations from Foster's amended complaint. These included claims that LaMelo did not complete his high school education and relied on "fixers" to do it for him. The court denied this motion, stating that these allegations could be relevant to Foster's breach-of-contract claim and the deterioration of his relationship with the Ball family.

LaMelo Ball trademark infringement Lawsuit: Legal Representation

Foster is represented by Raymond E. Brenneman, while LaMelo Ball and MB1 Enterprises are represented by attorneys from Pryor Cashman LLP. Puma North America is represented by Quarles & Brady LLP, and LaVar and Tina Ball have separate legal representation from The Cochran Firm California and McPherson LLP.