Major League Baseball® Copyright & Trademark Defense Lawyer
MLB® Intellectual Property Litigation • Cease-and-Desist Defense • Schedule A Lawsuits • Federal Trademark & Copyright Litigation
Vondran Legal – Protecting Online Sellers, Businesses, Collectors & Sports Entrepreneurs.
Note, we are not affiliated or endorsed by MLB. The logo is for illustrative purposes only.
Sued by Major League Baseball? Received a Cease-and-Desist Letter?
Has your Etsy shop, Amazon seller account, Shopify website, TikTok Shop, eBay business, or independent online store received a cease-and-desist letter or federal lawsuit involving Major League Baseball (MLB) intellectual property?
Have you received allegations involving copyrighted photographs, team logos, player images, World Series branding, merchandise, or trademark infringement?
If so, it is important to understand your legal rights before responding.
Major League Baseball actively protects one of the most valuable collections of sports intellectual property in the world. Enforcement efforts may include cease-and-desist letters, DMCA takedowns, marketplace complaints, licensing disputes, and federal litigation, including actions against online sellers and businesses accused of unauthorized commercial use of MLB intellectual property.
At Vondran Legal, we represent businesses, creators, artists, online sellers, collectors, sports companies, and entrepreneurs facing federal copyright and trademark disputes.
Federal Intellectual Property Defense for Baseball-Related Claims
We assist clients facing:
- MLB cease-and-desist letters
- Trademark infringement claims
- Copyright infringement lawsuits
- Schedule A lawsuits
- Online marketplace complaints
- Amazon IP complaints
- Etsy infringement notices
- Shopify legal complaints
- DMCA takedown notices
- Counterfeit merchandise allegations
- Licensing disputes
- Settlement negotiations
- Federal court litigation
Whether your goal is negotiating an efficient resolution or defending your business in federal court, we can help evaluate your legal options.
What Intellectual Property Does Major League Baseball Protect?
Major League Baseball owns or licenses an extensive portfolio of valuable intellectual property, including:
- MLB® trademarks
- Major League Baseball®
- World Series®
- All-Star Game®
- Team names
- Team logos
- Uniform designs
- Cap logos
- Team artwork
- Official photography
- Broadcast footage
- Highlight videos
- Promotional graphics
- Official merchandise
- Digital media
- Event branding
These rights are protected through federal copyright law, trademark law, licensing agreements, and unfair competition laws.
Common Products That May Lead to Claims
MLB intellectual property disputes frequently involve:
- Jerseys
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Baseball cards
- Posters
- Wall art
- Stickers
- Tumblers
- Phone cases
- Collectibles
- Digital artwork
- NFTs
- Baseball-themed apparel
- Team-inspired merchandise
- Photographs
- Social media content
- Video clips
Commercial use of protected MLB intellectual property without authorization may result in legal claims.
Common Legal Claims
MLB lawsuits may involve allegations of:
- Copyright infringement
- Trademark infringement
- Trademark counterfeiting
- Trademark dilution
- False designation of origin
- False endorsement
- Unfair competition
- Copyright infringement involving photography
- Unauthorized commercial use of logos or branding
Every case is unique and depends on the specific facts.
Schedule A Lawsuits & Online Marketplace Enforcement
Like other major intellectual property owners, sports organizations and their licensing partners may pursue online sellers through federal litigation or coordinated marketplace enforcement.
Claims may involve:
- Temporary Restraining Orders
- Asset restraints
- Marketplace subpoenas
- Removal of listings
- Amazon account issues
- Etsy shop suspensions
- Shopify complaints
- PayPal or Stripe payment holds
Early legal intervention may improve your ability to negotiate a favorable resolution.
Potential Legal Defenses
Every case is different.
Depending on the facts, legal issues may include:
- Copyright ownership
- Trademark ownership
- Licensing
- First Sale Doctrine (for genuine memorabilia)
- Fair use (where applicable)
- Nominative fair use
- Product sourcing
- Original artwork
- Jurisdiction
- Damages
- Procedural defenses
The best legal strategy depends upon the specific allegations, evidence, and procedural posture of the case.
Why Hire Vondran Legal?
Vondran Legal focuses on complex intellectual property litigation involving:
- Copyright law
- Trademark law
- Sports intellectual property
- Federal litigation
- Schedule A lawsuit defense
- Online marketplace disputes
- E-commerce litigation
- DMCA disputes
- Cease-and-desist responses
- Settlement negotiations
Attorney Steve Vondran brings a unique perspective to sports-related legal matters as a former professional baseball player drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, a Fresno State Athletics Hall of Fame member, and a longtime baseball coach. That background, combined with decades of intellectual property litigation experience, allows our firm to understand both the legal and commercial realities facing businesses operating in the sports marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell baseball-themed merchandise?
Original baseball-themed products may be lawful, but using protected MLB trademarks, team logos, copyrighted artwork, or other intellectual property without authorization can create legal risk.
Can I use MLB photographs or highlight videos?
Professional sports photography and broadcast footage are generally protected by copyright. Commercial use may require permission or a license unless a legal defense applies.
What if I received an Amazon or Etsy complaint?
Marketplace complaints should be evaluated carefully. Depending on the circumstances, there may be opportunities to respond, negotiate, or otherwise protect your business.
Can these cases settle?
Yes. Many intellectual property disputes are resolved through negotiated settlements before trial. The appropriate approach depends on the facts of each case.
Related Sports Intellectual Property Resources
Visit our Sports IP Resource Center:
- NFL® Copyright & Trademark Defense
- NBA® Intellectual Property Litigation
- NCAA® Trademark & Copyright Defense
- PGA TOUR® & LPGA® IP Defense
- Sports Merchandise Litigation
- Schedule A Lawsuit Defense
- Online Seller Defense
- Copyright Litigation
- Trademark Litigation
Contact Vondran Legal
If your business has received an MLB cease-and-desist letter, marketplace complaint, DMCA notice, or federal lawsuit involving baseball-related intellectual property, contact Vondran Legal to discuss your legal options.
Vondran Legal
Copyright • Trademark • Sports Intellectual Property Litigation
California & Arizona
📞 877-276-5084
