PUMA vs Tiger Woods lawsuit: All you need to know about the Sun Day Red trademark infringement

Sportswear company PUMA has initiated legal action against Tiger Woods’ new apparel brand, Sun Day Red, accusing it of trademark infringement. At the heart of the dispute lies the confusing similarity between PUMA’s Leaping Cat logo and Sun Day Red’s leaping tiger emblem.

This legal clash between a global brand and a golf icon has captured the attention of sportswear enthusiasts worldwide and has also raised questions about branding, intellectual property, and more.

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A closer look at the PUMA vs Tiger Woods lawsuit

PUMA submitted the legal filing to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It argues that Sun Day Red’s logo is too similar to its Leaping Cat branding. According to the filing, “consumer confusion is likely,” given the resemblance between the two logos.

The Sun Day Red logo features a tiger in mid-leap, with its body designed with 15 stripes. The logo is reportedly inspired by Woods’ career. PUMA’s logo depicts a puma, also in mid-leap, with sleek and fluid lines.

While the animals differ, the visible similarities in posture and motion have prompted PUMA’s claim of infringement.

Trademark expert Rebecca Tushnet from Harvard Law School remarked on the potential strength of PUMA’s case and noted that the visual similarities between the two logos and the reputation of the sportswear brand could weigh in the company’s favor. She told Front Office Sports,

“While a puma is not a tiger, they are both big cats and they are both leaping in similar positions. The PTO may say, ‘Yeah, they look pretty similar.’ Tigeraire’s looks more similar, but at the same time, it’s definitely not as well known and that often is more important to the trademark office.”

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What is at stake?

The lawsuit is more than just a clash of logos. For PUMA, it is about protecting its intellectual property. It wants to ensure its branding remains distinct in a competitive global marketplace. For Tiger Woods' Sun Day Red, the case could determine how it positions itself in a crowded market.

If PUMA wins the legal case, Sun Day Red may have to redesign its logo. It might impact its branding efforts and market presence.

On the other hand, a victory for the Tiger Woods-headed brand could set a precedent for smaller or newer brands to defend their designs or marketing strategies against well-established competitors.

The case is set to go to trial in September 2026 unless a settlement is reached earlier. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has taken its time to evaluate the claims. In the meantime, both sides are likely to gather and present evidence of the distinctiveness, or lack thereof, of their respective logos.