Lawsuit Filed Against YouTube Star MrBeast by Spalding over Trademark Dispute Regarding 'The Beast' in Basketball Context
Russell Brands Sues MrBeast Over "The Beast" Trademark
In a recent development, Russell Brands, the parent company of Spalding, has filed a trademark infringement and unfair competition lawsuit against YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson). The lawsuit, filed on August 12, 2025, alleges that MrBeast has been using the trademark "The Beast" for the sale of basketballs and footballs, which infringes on Spalding's preexisting trademark for the same mark, owned since 2003.
The dispute reportedly had been ongoing behind the scenes since at least early 2025, with Russell Brands sending multiple letters demanding MrBeast to stop using the marks "Beast," "The Beast," or "MrBeast" on basketballs. Despite assurances from MrBeast that the basketballs with the Beast trademark have been removed, Russell claims the "infringing balls" were still on display on the MrBeast Amazon page and a non-indexed page on the online retail store as of May.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, MrBeast's profits, attorneys' fees, and other costs, and Russell is also seeking an injunction to prevent MrBeast from selling products bearing the trademarks. The case, Russell Brand, LLC v. Beast Holdings LLC et al, has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Greg N. Stivers.
MrBeast, who boasts hundreds of millions of subscribers on social media and is the most subscribed channel on YouTube, with 422 million subscribers, sells various merchandise, including basketballs, through the MrBeast online retail store and other platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Walmart's marketplace.
A possible defense for MrBeast could be the fair use argument, suggesting its use of the mark doesn't constitute infringement. However, as the case progresses, it remains to be seen whether this will be a viable defense.
The dispute is reminiscent of a similar 'BU' feud, with Baylor suing Boston University over a logo. The two sides have been in communication about the dispute for over a year and may settle the litigation. As of August 22, 2025, the case is active following the filing, with no public reports yet indicating a resolution, settlement, or court ruling.
[1] Russell Brands, LLC v. Beast Holdings LLC et al, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, August 12, 2025. [2] Russell Brands Registers "The Beast" Mark for Sale of Basketballs, Basketball Equipment, and Other Items, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 2003. [3] Letter from Russell Brands to MrBeast, February 2025. [4] Letter from Russell Brands to MrBeast, May 2025. [5] Complaint, Russell Brands, LLC v. Beast Holdings LLC et al, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, August 12, 2025.
- The lawsuit has expanded the discussion surrounding trademark infringement in the entertainment industry, as it involves celebrities like Russell Brand, particularly in the sale of sports equipment such as basketballs, which could have implications for other celebrities or companies selling sports-related merchandise.
- The ongoing lawsuit also raises questions about the use of trademarks in the context of American football, as footballs were allegedly a part of the infringing products in the dispute between Russell Brands and MrBeast, potentially creating a precedent for the NFL and other American football organizations.
- As the case unfolds, entertainment analysts will be closely monitoring the development of the dispute between Russell Brands and MrBeast, as it may provide valuable insights into the legal parameters of trademark ownership, especially in the realm of popular entertainment and sports markets.
