![\"Fireball](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Fireball-Blazin-Apple.png\")
LIV Golf can no longer use the Fireballs GC sign on clothing, the EUIPO determined<\/p>\nThe European Union\u2019s IP office has partially upheld American spirits company Sazerac\u2019s trademark complaints against the LIV Golf tour.<\/p>\n
LIV Golf can no longer use the Fireballs GC sign on clothing, the EUIPO determined<\/p>\n
Sazerac initially took action against LIV Golf\u2019s trademark application for \u2018Fireballs GC\u2019 in 2022 when the tour launched. The spirits firm claimed it could be confused with its own Fireball Cinnamon Whisky<\/a> brand, for which it holds the trademark \u2018Fireball\u2019.<\/p>\n Fireballs GC is the name of a LIV golf team captained by Sergio Garc\u00eda.<\/p>\n Sazerac argued that similarities between the two names might lead the public to believe that goods and entertainment services bearing \u2018Fireballs GC\u2019 come from the same entity.<\/p>\n The spirits firm sought to oppose the use of Fireballs GC for clothing under trademark class 25 \u2013 such as t-shirts, footwear, headgear and socks \u2013 where confusion could exist when found on identical goods.<\/p>\n It also contested the use of Fireballs GC for entertainment services relating to professional golf, which can be tournaments, matches, competitions and exhibitions, under trademark class 41.<\/p>\n In a ruling on Wednesday (7 January), the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) assessed that \u201cthe small differences in the less noticeable elements and aspects\u201d of the signs are \u201cnot sufficient to counteract the high visual, aural and conceptual similarities and to exclude the likelihood of confusion for identical goods\u201d.<\/p>\n This is \u201ctaken from the fact that average consumers rarely have the chance to make a direct comparison between different marks, but must trust in their imperfect recollection of them\u201d, the office explained.<\/p>\n The EUIPO found therefore to be a \u201clikelihood of confusion on the part of the English-speaking part of the public\u201d on clothing items and rejected LIV Golf\u2019s trademark application for all goods that fall under class 25.<\/p>\n Sazerac, however, was unsuccessful in its entertainment services claim.<\/p>\n Sazerac\u2019s \u2018Fireball\u2019 trademark is registered for \u2018whisky\u2019 in class 33, which the EUIPO said is \u201cclearly different\u201d to the services covered in class 41.<\/p>\n The EUIPO noted that they \u201cdo not have the same natures, purposes or methods of use and they do not share the same distribution channels\u201d and, furthermore, \u201cthe goods and services under comparison are neither complementary to each other nor in competition, and they are not usually produced or provided by the same undertakings.\u201d<\/p>\n The Spirits Business has reached out to Sazerac for comment.<\/p>\n Sazerac is also facing a lawsuit that alleges it misled customers with malt-based versions of Fireball and Parrot Bay. In September last year, a judge approved a request for a class action lawsuit to proceed<\/a>.<\/p>\n Related news<\/p>\n \n \n
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