 United States Polo Association Wins Ground Against Ralph Lauren Corp
A Third Federal Court in Eight Months to Reject Ralph Lauren Litigation Tactics
On Wednesday, the United States Polo Association again prevailed in its long-running trademark battle with Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL.) The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan ruled that the USPA cannot be held in contempt for selling sunglasses with the USPA’s distinctive Double Horsemen Mark around the globe. This decision reversed a finding of contempt by a lower court judge and is the third federal court in the last eight months to reject RL’s overly aggressive litigation tactics.
“We are pleased with the Court’s much-anticipated decision. The validity of USPA’s Double Horsemen Marks has been litigated and upheld repeatedly, but unfortunately Ralph Lauren continues to find new and creative ways to misuse the legal system in its relentless campaign to prevent the lawful marketing of USPA’s authentic merchandise,” said David Cummings, President and Chief Executive Officer of USPA Properties, Inc. “This is the third time over the last eight months in three separate cases where a Court issued a decision ruling against Ralph Lauren’s stated legal positions. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously against such tactics.”
 USPA Properties is a wholly owned, for-profit, tax-paying subsidiary of the USPA and manages the USPA licensing program in over 135 countries through independent retail, department, online and U.S. Polo Assn. brand stores.
“We are supported by the funding that comes from our officially licensed brand and we purposely reinvest that funding in numerous programs that continue to define and drive our sport forward, particularly the development of the next generation of American polo players,” said Peter Rizzo, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Polo Association. “Every time you buy a genuine U.S. Polo Assn. branded good you are casting a vote for polo over lifestyle.”
This week U.S. Polo Assn. held their fall photo shoot at New Bridge Polo in Aiken, SC. The fall advertising campaign will feature new Team USPA member Jonny Lavine, NYTS championship winners Juan Bollini and Wes Finlayson, and former intercollegiate players Julia Steiner (UVA) and Pamela Flanagan (SMU).
The 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship between Valiant and Orchard Hill will air on NBC Sports for the third straight year to a national television audience on Sunday, May 31st from 4:00 – 5:30 PM. Tune in for behind the scenes footage, interviews and a special 125th Anniversary historical feature. Mark your calendars, set your DVRs and check your local listings for times.
Click here for the full U.S. Open schedule and results
 HN Interview: Melissa Ganzi at Grand Champions Polo Club
Melissa Ganzi began riding in Equitation and Hunter divisions through her local Pony Club. She leans back in her chair and smiles as old memories bubble to the surface. “I remember, I was riding with my club and we were headed to a foxhunt. When we got there, though, the jumps were bigger than our ponies! We got stuck in a field, a bull chasing us, having to chase our ponies over the fence … it was a disaster. What seemed like hours later another hunt group finally rescued us. Later, in the local newspaper we read, ‘Local Pony Club Crashes Onassis Hunt.’”
Click here to read the full story
Nominate Members Who Have Gone Beyond the Call of Duty
for the General George S. Patton Jr. Award
 Remembered for his fierce determination and ability to lead soldiers, George S. Patton Jr. is considered one of the greatest military figures in history. Immortalized as one of the world’s most intriguing military men, he was known for carrying pistols with ivory handles, his intemperate manner, and his love for polo.
General Patton was an avid believer that polo was a useful tool in understanding how his fellow officers preformed under pressure. Regarded as one of the most successful United States field commanders of any war, he continuously drove his troops to the highest standard of excellence in training and utilized his love for polo as a teaching aid. He carried a fine set of polo ponies from post to post, and routinely established polo matches on the weekends at the military base he was assigned to.
The Armed Forces Polo Committee is asking USPA members to nominate people who have gone above the call of duty to create opportunities for military members and their families to be involved in the sport of polo. With your award nomination please include a description of how the nominee best embodies the characteristics described. Nominees are not required to have served in the military but must be a current USPA member.
Please submit your General George S. Patton Jr. award nominations to mbaran@uspolo.org.
USPA Mourns the Loss of Governor-at-Large Russell Sheldon
 Russ Sheldon was born into a family with a passion for horses and riding, and this innate love brought him to the remarkable sport of polo in the late 70’s. He quickly became a key member in the polo community and was highly regarded for his enthusiasm and excitement for the sport, which was contagious.
As a devout mentor and supporter of youth polo programs, Russ’ contribution to the USPA Intercollegiate-Interscholastic program was without peer, and the initiatives that he put in place will continue to benefit the sport for decades to come.
Celebration of Life
Sunday, May 24 at 3:00 PM
Poway Valley Riders Association Polo Arena
Please RSVP to 1polonut@polodeoranch.com
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Russ’s honor to one of the following:
Poway Polo Club
14325 Midland Road
Poway, CA 92064
Polo Training Foundation
70 Clinton Street
Tully, NY 13159
Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund
101 Pro Rodeo Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
All Stars: Davis Hord, Fritz Felhaber, McKensie Watson, Nikalus Felhaber, Chino Payan, Jared Muncy (as they are standing in the photo)
Winning Team: Team Canada- Jordan Williams, Carter Nix, Nikalus Felhaber, Jared Muncy
I/I Scholarship Program Announced $4,000 x 6 – Application Deadline May 29th
The I/I Program is extremely proud to announce the launch of the USPA Intercollegiate Scholarship Program.
The IC Scholarship Program joins a list of new I/I initiatives set forth within the last year including the Middle School League, the Interscholastic Varsity Letter Program and regular season champions, to promote, support and grow the sport of polo to our youth. Through the efforts of our IS Parent Sub Committee, the Scholarship Task Force, and the annual USPA Membership Survey responses we are now able to offer six (6), $4,000 scholarships to our student athletes.
Become a USPA Certified Umpire Today
 Knowledgeable and consistent umpiring is an important aspect of our growing sport. All current certified umpires, and USPA members seeking an umpire certification must take the online rules/umpire test, and achieve a 95% for outdoor portion, and 94% for the arena portion to be considered. Paper and e-mailed tests will not be accepted.
Click here to take the USPA Umpire Certification Tests
*You must be logged in as a member to take the Rules/Umpire Test
The list of Certified Umpires is up to date on the web site. An umpire not listed on the web site is not considered certified at this time. Current certified umpires not meeting certification requirements in 2015, will not be considered a certified umpire for 2016.
Did you know USPA member clubs are eligible for reimbursement for acquiring certified umpire services? For additional information, please contact Steve Lane 352.454.6611, or Bradley Biddle at 803.221.4080.
Horse Ownership Survey
Thank you to the members who have responded to the USPA Horse Ownership Survey – we truly appreciate your input. If you have not completed the survey, please take a few minutes to provide your feedback. The survey will close on May 29.
Click here to take the Horse Ownership Survey
If you have any questions or need additional information about the survey, please contact Peter Rizzo directly at rizzo@uspolo.org.
|
|
