Court awards Stinger Golf $1 million in trademark fight with LIV Golf

A federal court in South Florida entered a $1 million judgment and permanent injunction for Stinger Golf in a trademark case over LIV Golf’s use of the STINGER name. The ruling forces LIV Golf’s former Stinger GC team and related merchandise into rebranding and gives Stinger Golf lasting protection for its mark.

Why it matters: - The ruling gives Stinger Golf cash damages and a court order blocking confusingly similar use of the STINGER name. - The case shows how trademark disputes can force a sports property to rebrand and pay substantial damages. - The judgment also reinforces the value of long-held brand rights in merchandise and team branding.

What happened: - The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered a $1 million judgment and permanent injunction in favor of Stinger Tees, Inc. d/b/a Stinger Golf. - The judgment was entered on July 7, 2026, by Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga. - LIV Golf Inc. and Fairway TM Co 6, LLC are subject to the judgment. - The case involved LIV Golf’s former Stinger GC team and related merchandise.

The details: - Stinger Golf is a Cleveland-based manufacturer that has built and protected its brand for more than 30 years. - The company holds federal trademark registrations tied to the STINGER mark. - Stinger Golf manufactures about 20 million golf tees a year. - The lawsuit asserted federal trademark infringement and unfair competition claims under the Lanham Act, plus related Florida common-law claims. - The court action was styled Stinger Tees, Inc. d/b/a Stinger Golf v. LIV Golf Inc., World Wide Golf Brands Ltd. d/b/a Stuburt, and Fairway TM Co 6, LLC, Case No. 25-cv-22508-CMA. - The judgment followed Stinger Golf’s acceptance of an Offer of Judgment under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68. - Barakat + Bossa said the matter was led by Partner Brian Barakat and attorney Patrick Furman, with co-counsel John DiMatteo of DiMatteo & Associates and Joseph Sofer of Sofer & Haroun, LLP. - Brian Barakat said the result protects a brand built through more than 30 years of hard work and investment. - Brian Barakat also said the judgment provides substantial monetary relief and lasting protection against confusingly similar use of the STINGER name.

Between the lines: - The ruling suggests the court saw enough merit in Stinger Golf’s trademark position to back both financial relief and ongoing restrictions. - LIV Golf’s rebranding shows the practical cost of trademark disputes, especially when team names and merchandising are involved. - The judgment applies only to LIV Golf Inc. and Fairway TM Co 6, LLC, even though the broader case naming included World Wide Golf Brands Ltd. d/b/a Stuburt.

What's next: - LIV Golf and Fairway TM Co 6, LLC must comply with the permanent injunction tied to the STINGER name. - Stinger Golf keeps the court-backed protection for its trademark and brand identity. - The case may serve as a reference point for future sports branding and merchandise disputes.

The bottom line: - Stinger Golf won a $1 million federal judgment and a permanent injunction after challenging LIV Golf’s use of the STINGER name.