Court Rules Jack Nicklaus Can Use Own Name For Golf Course Design Projects

In the case of Nicklaus versus Nicklaus it’s one-up to Jack Nicklaus the man as a supreme court judge in New York has ruled in his favour allowing him to use his famous name for future golf course design projects.

It sounds quite complicated (and is!) but the 82-year-old is being sued by Nicklaus Companies for "repeated acts in bad faith against the best interests of the Company, including acts to intentionally and maliciously undermine the company."

What this entire case is coming down to, and will continue to as a full trial is pending, is who legally has the rights to use the name, likeness and Jack Nicklaus trademarks – the man himself or the company he sold back in 2007.

When the 18-time Major champion sold Nicklaus Companies back in 2007, he was paid $145m for all his intellectual property and to continue providing exclusive services to the company – but they now claim that he’s actively working in competition against them.

The complaint against Nicklaus claims he had been paid for promoting the Soudal Open on the DP World Tour, being involved in the development of a video game and also with negotiating with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) over joining LIV Golf in a leadership role.

All of these actions, Nicklaus Companies says, breach the terms of him working with them and using his name, likeness and logo which should only be used for use with them.

After a three-day hearing in court, a judge has now ruled that Nicklaus can compete against his former company for golf course design work and other business, but not commercial endorsements, pending a full trial.

It means Nicklaus, under his new company name 1-JN, can look to add to his over 300 course designs around the world as one of the most recognised and prolific big-name golf course architects.

“I have been blessed in my long life to have more than one successful career – first playing the game and then designing courses for where this great game is played,” Nicklaus said in a statement.

“It has been more than 50 years since my first course, but I am even more passionate than ever about golf course design. I strongly believe that my ideas and creativity are even better now than they have ever been.

“I am inspired to continue producing memorable and sustainable golf experiences that can be enjoyed for years to come. You might say I have nothing to prove, but I have a lot left to give.”

In a statement released on social media, Nicklaus Companies said they were glad the court had placed an injunction to stop Nicklaus from commercial activity, and say their main hope is just to get legal guidance on who can use what going forward.

They added that: “It is also important to understand that while the court declined to issue a preliminary injunction as to whether Mr. Nicklaus can compete with Nicklaus Companies in designing golf courses, this is only pending a full trial to determine whether or not he has that right.

“Plus, any such design work would be subject to the court’s limitations on any use of the Nicklaus Companies' intellectual property - or any use of Mr. Nickalus’ name, image and likeness - to endorse the golf course. All of these issues have yet to be litigated in full, and after hearing the evidence at trial, we will learn the final decision of the court.

"As we have said all along, our goal was to have the court sort out the legal responsibilities of the parties so that there is no confusion or misunderstanding going forward.

“The court’s injunction is a step in that direction. We still hope for a collaborative and amicable resolution to these matters.

“Despite the disparaging statements orchestrated by Mr. Nicklaus’ attorneys against Nicklaus Companies and Jack’s business partner, we continue to have great admiration for Jack and his accomplishments, and will use our rights to his name, image and likeness to keep his legend alive. We will do everything we can to ensure his legacy lives on for generations to come."

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