In 2006 adidas' business rival, Nike, introduced cricket range featuring Sachin Tendulkar's name and jersey number. This, no doubt infuriated adidas, which has the exclusive rights to use Tendulkar's name and details.
When contacted in this regard by Fibre2fashion, adidas stated, “Sachin Tendulkar and adidas have had an association for many years. Competitor Nike launched its Cricket Range comprising t-shirts featuring adidas signed athlete Sachin Tendulkar's name and jersey number in 2006.
adidas deems that its exclusive rights to use the name of Sachin Tendulkar as well as personal details of the athlete have been violated. adidas has approached the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTPC) in this regard.
There is no conflict with Sachin Tendulkar or the BCCI and they have been named in the petitions only as proforma respondents. We have had a longstanding association with Sachin Tendulkar and are committed to the relationship.
MRTPC has issued notices to the respondents. As the matter currently rests with MRTPC, please understand that we cannot comment further at this time. We look forward to resolving the issue speedily.”
marketing@alchempro.com
