Utah Mammoth Files Lawsuit Against Hockey Bag Producer
A legal battle over trademark rights is currently unfolding between the Utah Mammoth NHL team and Mammoth Hockey, an Oregon-based manufacturer of hockey equipment bags. The dispute began after the Utah Mammoth announced their new team name and logo in May 2025, which shares similarities with Mammoth Hockey's established branding.
Cause of Dispute
Mammoth Hockey claims that the use of "Mammoth" and mammoth-shaped logos by the Utah Mammoth could lead to consumer confusion, infringing on their longstanding trademark used for hockey bags since 2014. In response, Mammoth Hockey issued a cease-and-desist letter alleging trademark infringement, false advertising, and unfair competition.
Utah Mammoth's Position
The Utah Mammoth and their ownership group, including Smith Entertainment Group, assert they have the legal right to use the "Utah Mammoth" name and logo under federal and state trademark laws. They argue their branding will not harm Mammoth Hockey's business. The team proactively filed the lawsuit seeking a judicial ruling to clear the trademark issue under the U.S. Declaratory Judgment Act.
Mammoth Hockey's Response
Mammoth Hockey, co-founded by Erik Olson, plans to vigorously defend their trademark rights. They emphasize their 10+ years of using the Mammoth mark in connection with hockey equipment and bags and argue that the similar names and logos could confuse customers, potentially damaging their market.
Legal Implications
This lawsuit seeks a definitive court ruling on trademark rights. The case will determine whether the Utah Mammoth can continue using their team name and logo without infringing on Mammoth Hockey’s trademark or if adjustments must be made to avoid consumer confusion. The resolution will impact brand identity, marketing, and consumer perception for both the NHL franchise and the equipment company within the hockey industry.
Timeline & Current Status
As of early August 2025, Mammoth Hockey has been served summons, and preparations for litigation are underway. There is no known timeline yet for court proceedings or resolution.
In summary, the trademark dispute is active and unresolved, with Utah Mammoth seeking legal validation to use their name, and Mammoth Hockey defending their established trademark. The lawsuit's outcome will clarify rights and set a precedent for naming conflicts in the sports and equipment sectors.
Additional Information
- The Utah Mammoth, previously known as the Utah Hockey Club during the 2024-25 season, changed their name and logo in May 2025.
- The lawsuit was announced by Smith Entertainment Group leaders.
- The disputes have led to an impasse between the parties.
- The Mammoth and Mammoth Hockey LLC are involved in the disputes.
- The Utah Mammoth, a team of the NHL, has filed a lawsuit against a hockey bag manufacturer in the Utah District Court.
- Mammoth Hockey was launched in 2014 and manufactures equipment bags for hockey players.
- Both the team and Mammoth Hockey use logos featuring a mammoth and are associated with the words "Mammoth" and "hockey."
The Utah Mammoth's new team name and logo, which share similarities with Mammoth Hockey's established branding, have led to a dispute over trademark rights in the sports industry. Mammoth Hockey, an Oregon-based manufacturer of hockey equipment bags, claims that the use of "Mammoth" and mammoth-shaped logos by the Utah Mammoth could infringe on their longstanding trademark used for hockey bags since 2014.
