IP Law Daily, TRADEMARK—S.D.N.Y.: Spinoff group using ‘USA MASTERS WEIGHTLIFTING’ mark liable for infringement, (Mar 18, 2026)

By Brian Craig, J.D.

The spinoff group did not use the marks merely to describe weightlifters of a certain age, but rather to brand and promote its new business.

The federal district court in New York has held that a spinoff group that used the “USA WEIGHTLIFTING” and “USA MASTERS WEIGHTLIFTING” marks to promote weightlifting events is liable for trademark infringement to USA Weightlifting, Inc., the owner of the registered marks and national governing body for the sport of weightlifting. The court rejected the spinoff group’s arguments that the registered marks are invalid. The court found that spinoff group did not use the marks merely to describe weightlifters of a certain age, but rather to brand and promote its new business. In addition, the court found evidence of actual confusion and bad faith to support a likelihood of consumer confusion (USA Masters Weightlifting Inc v. USA Weightlifting, Inc., No. 1:25-cv-06095-JSR (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 17, 2026)).

USA Weightlifting, Inc. (USA Weightlifting) is the national governing body for the sport of weightlifting in the U.S. that owns the registered trademarks for “USA WEIGHTLIFTING” and “USA MASTERS WEIGHTLIFTING.” The term “masters” refers to athletic events for athletes over a certain age. Several decades ago, USA Weightlifting formed a “Masters Committee” to support older athletes. In 2021, five members of the Masters Committee separated from USA Weightlifting and established a new entity called USA Masters Weightlifting, Inc. (USA Masters Weightlifting). The spinoff group started to use the USA MASTERS WEIGHTLIFTING mark in its promotions. USA Masters Weightlifting filed a lawsuit seeking declaratory relief arguing that USA Weightlifting’s marks are invalid. USA Weightlifting filed counterclaims arguing that USA Masters Weightlifting engaged in trademark infringement and sought claims for trademark infringement, cybersquatting, and related claims under New York state law. The parties moved for summary judgment.

Trademark validity. The court first concluded that the “USA WEIGHTLIFTING USA” and “USA MASTERS WEIGHTLIFTING” registered trademarks are valid. The court rejected the spinoff group’s argument that the marks are generic. It is the opposing party’s burden to show that the marks are generic. The spinoff group failed to present any evidence that the marks are generic besides conclusory allegations. The court also rejected arguments from the spinoff group that the national governing body’s registration of the marks was obtained by fraud. The court found no credible evidence that USA Weightlifting made false statements in registering the marks. In addition, the court concluded that USA Weightlifting exercised sufficient control and had prior use of the marks. The court rejected a related company argument and found that USA Weightlifting exercised complete control over the Masters Committee. Thus, the court ruled against USA Masters Weightlifting in the declaratory relief action.

Trademark infringement. Next, the court analyzed the likelihood of consumer confusion factors and held that USA Masters Weightlifting is liable for trademark infringement. The court concluded that the marks are identical or substantially similar. The proximity of the products also favors a likelihood of consumer confusion. The court found evidence of actual consumer confusion, including confusion on social media sites. The court found evidence that USA Masters Weightlifting’s bad faith is “clear beyond any genuine dispute” which weighs strongly in favor of likelihood of confusion. The spinoff group did not use the marks merely to describe weightlifters of a certain age, but rather to brand and promote its new business.

The court granted summary judgment in favor of USA Weightlifting on its counterclaims and found USA Masters Weightlifting liable on all of the counterclaims.

The Case is No. 1:25-cv-06095-JSR.

Judge: Rakoff, J.

Attorneys: Gerard Francis Dunne (Law Office of Gerard F. Dunne, PC) for USA Masters Weightlifting Inc. Thomas James Schell (Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP) for USA Weightlifting, Inc.

Companies: USA Masters Weightlifting Inc.; USA Weightlifting, Inc.

Cases: Trademark NewYorkNews