New York Knicks Demand Senate Candidate Stop Using Team Logo in Campaign

The NBA champion New York Knicks have sent a cease-and-desist letter to Queens Senate candidate Aver Kawas, demanding she immediately stop using the team's logo in her election campaign. The Knicks warned that if Kawas does not comply, they will pursue legal action to remove all campaign materials featuring the team's intellectual property. The letter, issued by Brian N. Warner, senior vice president and general counsel of Madison Square Garden Sports, stated that neither the Knicks nor NBA Properties authorized the use of the logo and that such use could mislead the public into believing the campaign is affiliated with or endorsed by the team.

Kawas, the Democratic nominee for the New York State Senate, used an altered version of the Knicks logo in social media posts and campaign stickers shortly after the Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years. The Knicks cited trademark infringement, false advertising, and unfair competition as grounds for their legal demand. Kawas is supported by New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who himself faced a similar cease-and-desist from the Knicks last October after using the team's branding in his mayoral campaign.

This legal dispute occurs amid a public feud between Knicks owner billionaire James Dolan and Mamdani's administration, sparked by the city's cancellation of fan viewing events outside Madison Square Garden during the NBA Finals due to security restrictions. Dolan, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, has a strained relationship with Mayor Mamdani. The Knicks have emphasized they do not endorse any political candidates and have taken steps to protect their intellectual property from unauthorized political use.