IMPORTANT LEGAL ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING NIKE, INC

Nike, Inc, too, have recognised the unique branding of 20XII: one week after being introduced to 20XII in 2010, Nike began a trademark application for their new golf ball, 20XI, in willful infringement of a known trademark. Needless to say, 20XII is now in a battle to protect its brand from the sports retail giant whose actions are, for 20XII, the least honorable tribute to the sporting endeavours of athletes and sports men and women across the world. It is surely not the most auspicious start for any athlete to use or wear sporting equipment whose name is created in such a dishonorable way.

You can follow the legal process here:

http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=91199922&pty=OPP&eno=2

While 20XII offers the original provenance of honor in sport, Nike's new branding can only damage an athlete's integrity and achievements. 20XII therefore sincerely hopes Nike, Inc will withdraw its use of the mark and withdraw the golf ball from sale. Were it not for the fact that Nike, Inc have encouraged the rapid proliferation of the marketing of 20XI, despite our repeated behind the scenes attempts in recent months to encourage Nike to cease, we would not feel it necessary to begin to reveal the extent of Nike's rather cynical exploitation of our brand. Regrettably, we must as a first step legally challenge their trademark application for 20XI. But this is just the beginning.

Tiger Woods is already a sponsor before the trademark application is complete and we trust he will withdraw his endorsement in due course.

THE LAW:

The United States is a Signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. Article 8 states: Trade Names - A trade name shall be protected in all the countries of the Union without the obligation of filing or registration, whether or not it forms part of a trademark. 20XI is an intended trading name of Nike’s that infringes upon the existing trading name 20XII The Honor of Sport™. In addition, First Niagara Ins. Brokers Inc. v. First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., establishes that foreign and domestic trademark owners can oppose United States trademark applications on the basis of likelihood-of-confusion even if they do not own a trademark registration in the United States. A trademark owner need only show prior use of its trademark in the United States. It is not necessary that the trademark owner use its trademark in a type of commerce lawfully regulated by United States Congress, such as interstate commerce. Mere use in the United States is sufficient. 20XII has been in use in the United States and over 70 other countries worldwide since 2008.

http://www.nikegolf20xi.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/20XI.NIKE.IN.COURT

AND HERE'S NIKE'S OWN PHILOSOPHY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is one of the most vital assets any business owns. IP encompasses a wide range of rights and responsibilities, designed to protect business investment in creativity, research and development, and innovation. It is also the intellectual capital and future for many companies. Trademarks, patents and design are all examples of essential IPR.

Businesses make significant investments in brand equity and brand promotion, the value of brands, and the trust consumers place in branded products and services. Nike, Inc. believes there is a genuine need for policymakers, and other stakeholders to understand issues such as innovation and creativity, brand protection and brand building.

In the U.S., Nike, Inc. was a vocal supporter of the passage of the Pro-IP Act signed into law in 2008. In addition to increasing penalties for certain forms of IP infringement, this Act will increase resources for the U.S. Department of Justice to enforce federal criminal laws protecting IP. The law also mandates that the President appoint the first Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, informally known as the Copyright Czar.

Nike, Inc. is also promoting laws, regulations and directives designed to render the theft of intellectual property undesirable and unprofitable and offering anti-counterfeiting programs designed to increase protection for patents, trademarks, copyrights, service marks, trade dress and trade secrets...

                                                                            ALL THIS, AND STILL NIKE INFRINGES ON 20XII...
                                                                                        JUST DO IT? WE THINK NOT...