Fox Alleges Despicable Activity By Former Partner MDM In Trademark Dispute

Fox Alleges Despicable Activity by Former Partner MDM in Trademark Dispute

Introduction

Fox Corporation has sued its former Mexican sports broadcasting partner, Media Deportes Mexico (MDM), in a New York federal court, alleging trademark infringement and breach of contract. Fox claims that MDM continued to use the Fox Sports Mexico name without permission after their agreement was terminated earlier this year.

Factual Background

• In 2021, Fox gave MDM a non-exclusive license to operate as Fox Sports Mexico.

• In March 2024, Fox terminated the agreement after MDM failed to pay licensing fees for broadcasting rights (soccer, NFL, and Formula 1).

• Despite termination, MDM allegedly continued using Fox’s trademarks.

• Fox further alleged that MDM obtained a Mexican court order under false pretenses, which blocked Fox and its partners from interfering with MDM’s supposed rights and even triggered a raid on a Fox partner’s office.

Procedural Background

• Fox filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

• U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff granted Fox’s request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), calling the allegations “very serious” and describing the defendant’s conduct as “totally despicable activity.”

Issues

• Whether MDM’s continued use of Fox’s trademarks constitutes trademark infringement?

• Whether MDM’s actions breach the terms of the license agreement?

Contentions of the Parties

Fox’s Contention:

•  MDM’s continued use of its trademarks is unauthorized and likely to confuse consumers.

• MDM misled a Mexican court to obtain an order that harmed Fox’s business, amounting to bad faith conduct.

MDM’s Contention:

• No official response yet. Representatives were unavailable for comment.

Reasoning and Analysis

• The U.S. court found Fox’s claims credible enough to justify a TRO.

• The judge’s remarks suggest that Fox has a strong likelihood of success on its claims of infringement and breach of contract.

Implications

• This case emphasizes the importance of protecting trademarks and enforcing licensing agreements.

• It also highlights the jurisdictional complexity of IP disputes when they span across countries (U.S. vs. Mexico).

Outcome

• The Temporary Restraining Order was granted in Fox’s favor.

• The case will proceed, with Fox seeking monetary damages and permanent injunctive relief against MDM.

• The case is Fox Corp v. Media Deportes Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., U.S. District Court, No. 1:25-cv-06703.

Representation

• In this case the plaintiff was represented by Mr. Stephen Farrelly, Mr. Eric George, Ms. Katherine Petti and Mr. Christopher Berg of Ellis George.

•  For MDM: Information not yet available.

Case Details

• Case Title: Fox Corp v. Media Deportes Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V.

• Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

• Case No.: 1:25-cv-06703

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