1998
The brand is born
PROVE IT!® is established and registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The same year, the Goodwill Games and PROVE IT!® reach a settlement over the "Where the World's Best PROVE IT" campaign.
Reg. No. 2202454In his own words
PROVE IT!® had to
prove it.
Part IThe courtroom
Armed with only the truth and the merits of my registration, I represented myself pro se in U.S. Federal Court without formal legal training. In 2010, I faced off against Adidas America, Inc., one of the world's largest athletic brands. Adidas sought to strip away my trademark rights by alleging fraud. Despite the resources and legal firepower of a corporate giant, I stood my ground and defended the legitimacy of my mark.
During the federal trial, after reading my opening statement, the judge demanded that I "tell the court who has been helping you…" My answer was simple:
“GOD”
2010 · 2013The verdicts
I prevailed, and Adidas lost that trial in 2010. Adidas later appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and lost again in 2013.
My legal battles did not end there. When I brought suit against Under Armour for using my trademarked slogan without authorization, the dispute ultimately concluded in a confidential settlement. These were not merely legal disputes; they were defining moments in the history of my brand. I stood toe-to-toe with two corporate giants, defended my intellectual property, and demonstrated that determination, conviction, and a willingness to stand on principle can carry an individual a long way, even in a courtroom against powerful corporate opponents.
My battles with Adidas and Under Armour are part of my brand's documented history, publicly searchable under the search terms “Adidas Prove It” and “Under Armour Calmese”.
I did not have the resources of a corporate giant. I had to stand on the truth, my trademark rights and my faith. And I was willing to stand alone and defend them.
Part IISomething to prove
As a small minority business owner in the United States, holding an intensely sought-after athletic trademark has made my brand a prime target for major corporate interests. Companies have recognized the commercial power of "PROVE IT!", launching multi-million-dollar campaigns like:
- Toyota"Tundra PROVE IT" campaignAgreement reached
- Procter & Gamble"Old Spice 1-800-PROVEIT" campaignStopped using it
- Goodwill Games"Where The World's Best PROVE IT" campaignSettled, 1998
Toyota and I entered into an agreement. Old Spice ceased using 1-800-PROVEIT after we could not respectfully agree on terms to work together. In 1998, the Goodwill Games and I reached a settlement to avoid litigation.
Everyone has something to prove.
Athletes, teams, businesses and fans have to prove it every year: on and off the court, on and off the field, in and out of the ring, on and off the ice, at home and at work. Every day, in all sports. Athletes and fans can now officially wear PROVE IT!® while taking on any challenge at any time.
