Utah Mammoth vs. Mammoth Hockey: Trademark Dispute in the NHL
Utah's NHL team, the Utah Mammoth, has taken legal action against Mammoth Hockey LLC, a company that sells high-end hockey bags, in a trademark dispute. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, claims that Mammoth Hockey initially supported the NHL team adopting the Mammoth name but later reversed its position, alleging trademark infringement. The uncertainty created by Mammoth Hockey's actions has prompted the Utah Mammoth to seek resolution through the U.S. Declaratory Judgement Act.
The Utah Mammoth and its owners, SEG Hockey, assert their right to use the name Utah Mammoth under federal and state law without causing harm to the bag company's business. The legal action was taken after careful consideration of the defendant's position, and the Utah Mammoth is confident in its legal standing. Mammoth Hockey has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
The Utah Mammoth's name was announced as a potential team name in April 2024 and was later confirmed as the team identity in May 2025. Documents included in the lawsuit show that Mammoth Hockey had expressed interest in collaborating with SEG if the Mammoth name was chosen. However, the bag company's change in stance in June led to the legal dispute.
The NHL team points out that Mammoth Hockey has not filed any trademark application for the "Mammoth" designation in the United States and highlights differences in logo design between the two entities. Mammoth Hockey argues that consumer confusion between the two marks could impact its business negatively, leading to potential loss of sales from hockey enthusiasts who may mistakenly support a rival team.
The legal battle between the Utah Mammoth and Mammoth Hockey underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the sports industry. As the dispute unfolds in court, both parties are seeking a resolution to the trademark issue to ensure clarity and fairness in the marketplace.