Sports agency linked to LeBron James sues Klutch Cannabis in trademark case

Klutch Sports Group is taking Klutch Cannabis to federal court in a trademark infringement lawsuit, kicking off a legal battle over branding between the two Northeast Ohio companies. The sports group filed the complaint on March 16, accusing Klutch Cannabis of copying the Klutch Sports Group branding and creating consumer confusion. Both companies use the Klutch name, black and gold colors and have a "nearly identical" logo and font, the suit claims.

Klutch Cannabis is accused of trademark infringement, unfair competition, counterfeiting and other federal and state violations for allegedly profiting off the Klutch Sports Group name. "Klutch Sports is aware of numerous examples of consumers and members of the public, both general consumers, as well as members of the sports and entertainment industry, who have been confused into wrongly believing that Klutch Cannabis and its goods and services originate from, are made by, authorized by, sponsored by, approved by, connected to, affiliated with, or associated with Klutch Sports," the lawsuit read. Klutch Sports asked for a jury trial and an unspecified amount in damages and compensation from Klutch Cannabis, which should rebrand and destroy all Klutch merchandise.

A spokesperson for Klutch Cannabis declined to comment. Attorneys Angela Gott, Lauryn Robinson and James von der Heydt represent Klutch Sports Group. No attorney is listed for Klutch Cannabis, which has not yet filed a response to the complaint.

Northern Ohio District Judge J. Philip Calabrese presides over the case. New business: Klutch Cannabis fills northern Summit County void with dispensary neighboring MGM racino What to know about the two companies?