‘Reverse Confusion’ Argument Fails in Sports Agency’s Trademark Suit

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a district court's denial of a preliminary injunction in a case where a sports agency, PlayMakers LLC, had argued that the popular television series of the same name, produced by ESPN, infringed upon its trademark. Specifically, it claimed that the defendant's use of its trademark created a climate of "reverse confusion" for its clients and prospects.   PlayMakers represents and advises professional athletes and aspiring professional athlet