Long Island Vodka Sues LIV Golf Over Trademark Infringement

A legal battle has erupted between Long Island Vodka and LIV Golf over trademark infringement.

“Trademark Tussle: Long Island Vodka vs”

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The New York-based distillery filed a lawsuit against the Saudi-backed golf tour.

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The distillery operates under the name Long Island Spirits Inc.

They allege LIV Golf's use of 'LIV' branding for alcoholic beverages and apparel causes consumer confusion.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Specifically, it was filed in Central Islip, New York, on Monday.

The distillery claims LIV Golf's expansion into 'LIV' branded products directly competes with their trademark.

They have owned the 'LIV' mark since 2007.

Long Island Vodka is officially known as Long Island Spirits Inc.

It was established in 2007 in a horse barn on Long Island's North Fork.

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The company operates as a craft distillery.

They produce liqueurs, whiskeys, cocktails, and signature LíV vodka from local potatoes.

The distillery also sells branded merchandise like t-shirts and hats.

The company emphasizes its 'authentic, pioneering, craft spirit' identity.

They have invested heavily in building the LIV brand over 16 years.

Multiple registered and common-law variations of the 'LIV' mark exist since 2007.

LIV Golf was established in 2021 with Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund financing.

“LIV Golf is facing fresh legal scrutiny after a New York-based distillery accused the Saudi-backed league of trademark infringement in a federal lawsuit filed this week”

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The league stands accused of willful trademark infringement.

They use the 'LIV' brand in alcohol and apparel sectors.

LIV Golf has partnered with Treasury Wine Estates and DAOU Vineyards.

They promote branded drinks like LIV Clubhouse Cooler and LIV Transfusion Cocktail.

These drinks appear in advertisements and at tournaments.

The lawsuit describes 'widespread confusion among customers, distributors'.

Sales of the distillery's products have been depressed.

LIV Golf's marketing campaign involved 'billions of dollars' in spending.

This targets the same market space as Long Island Spirits.

Long Island Spirits seeks multiple legal remedies.

They want compensatory damages and punitive damages for willful infringement.

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They also seek a permanent injunction against LIV Golf.

This injunction would prevent using 'LIV' for alcohol and apparel sales.

The lawsuit describes the infringement as 'blatant trademark infringement'.

It's characterized as 'willful and intentional unfair competition'.

The distillery argues LIV Golf benefits while 'squandering' their goodwill.

This causes substantial consumer confusion.

Consumers mistakenly believe their craft brand is affiliated with LIV Golf.

This damages their authentic brand reputation.

The lawsuit occurs against LIV Golf's controversial Saudi-backed origins.

“Trademark Tussle: Long Island Vodka vs”

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LIV Golf is a rival to the established PGA Tour.

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Critics view it as Saudi monarchy effort to divert from human rights record.

This isn't LIV Golf's first trademark infringement issue.

In June 2025, Ohio-based Stinger Tees sued the Stinger GC team.

That lawsuit accused the team of trademark violation.

LIV Golf hasn't responded to comment requests on the current litigation.

Their legal defense strategy remains unclear.

The distillery seeks to protect its brand after 16 years.

They've built their reputation in the craft spirits market.