Gold Medal LLC, DBA Run Gum v. USA Track & Field; United States Olympic Committee: Another Case Bites the Dust

By Jeff Birren   Gold Medal LLC makes Run Gum chewing gum ("Run Gum") which contains caffeine, B vitamins and taurine; an amino acid used in energy drinks. Advertising with track and field athletes thus appealed to Run Gum. It therefor sought to sponsor athletes during the U.S. Olympic Trials due to its perception of the heightened public interest in those events. Run Gum wished to include its logo on the apparel of various competitors. The USA Track & Field ("USATF") and the United States