Antetokounmpo sues over ‘Greek Freak’ merchandise

Basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, of the Milwaukee Bucks, who was named NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2018-19 speaks as he is presenting his new shoe, in Zappeion Hall, Athens, on Friday, June 28, 2019. Antetokounmpo is in Greece to attend a 3×3 baseball tournament which he sponsors. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

MILWAUKEE — The NBA’s most valuable player is suing a Pennsylvania artist who is selling “Greek Freak” merchandise.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo registered his nickname with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last year. His lawyers sent a cease and desist letter to Jinder Bhogal in May. Bhogal removed the “Greek Freak” merchandise from his website, but not his Facebook page.

A complaint says Bhogal’s merchandise was misleading customers who thought it was affiliated with Antetokounmpo. He is seeking all the profits Bhogal gained from selling the merchandise and/or $2 million for every counterfeit mark on goods sold.

The Journal Sentinel says Antetokounmpo is asking for a jury trial in his lawsuit against Bhogal.