Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Threatens Legal Action Against Fan Association
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club has issued a legal threat to the Hapoel Osishkin fan association over the use of the "Hapoel Tel Aviv" name and symbol by the fan-run "Hapoel Uri" team. The club demands the fan association cease using the name and symbol and commit to not promoting "Hapoel Uri" to the Premier League. The dispute centers on rights transferred in a 2023 agreement, with Hapoel Tel Aviv claiming exclusive ownership of its brand assets. The fan association is reviewing the letter and will respond based on their agreement.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club threatened legal action against the Hapoel Osishkin fan association.
- The club demands the fan association stop using the Hapoel Tel Aviv name and symbol for its "Hapoel Uri" team.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv also requires the fan association to commit to not promoting "Hapoel Uri" to the Premier League.
- The dispute involves rights to the club's name, symbol, and reputation transferred in a 2023 agreement.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv claims the fan association's actions violate agreements and infringe on intellectual property.
- The fan association is reviewing the legal warning and will respond according to their agreement.
Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club, operated by Edom Management Sal and owned by Ofer Yanai, has sent a legal warning to the Hapoel Osishkin fan association. The club demands the association immediately cease using the name and symbol of Hapoel Tel Aviv for its team, "Hapoel Uri," which plays in the National League. Additionally, Hapoel Tel Aviv requires the association to commit that "Hapoel Uri" will not advance to the Premier League or relinquish its shares in the club's operating company.
The legal letter, sent by lawyers Asaf Prial and Fadi Maklada, cites a 2023 agreement where the senior team's operations, including rights to the name, symbol, and reputation, were transferred to Edom Management Sal. Hapoel Tel Aviv asserts that all intangible assets related to the senior team exclusively belong to the company, and any use by the association constitutes a violation of their property rights and the agreements between the parties.
Specific instances cited include "Hapoel Uri's" game against Maccabi Haifa, where "Hapoel Tel Aviv" appeared on the scoreboard, and the team wearing uniforms with the club's symbol without the addition of "Uri." The club argues this creates confusion between the two senior teams and constitutes a fundamental breach of contract, bad faith, trademark infringement, and copyright violation.
"Hapoel Uri" was established by former Hapoel Tel Aviv players as a subsidiary team, initially playing in lower leagues. It was promoted to the National League in the 2022/23 season and later named after former senior team manager Uri Shelef. The team has gained prominence recently due to protests by some Hapoel Tel Aviv fans against the senior team and its owner, Ofer Yanai.
Hapoel Tel Aviv also contends that the fan association, which holds 19% of the shares in the company operating the senior team, is not permitted by basketball association regulations to own rights to two teams competing in leagues under budget control. The club demands a response within three days, before "Hapoel Uri's" next league game, confirming cessation of all use of the name, symbol, and intellectual property, and a commitment not to advance to the Premier League. The alternative offered is for the association to forfeit its shares in the company.
The Hapoel Osishkin association is reviewing the legal letter and is expected to respond in accordance with the agreement between the parties.
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