Nicklaus 'Can Use Own Name Brand'

New York State Supreme Court Rules "Jack Nicklaus Name Brand Can Be Used"
Will Likely Continue Course Design Through New Company Called '1-JN'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seohee Lee] Jack Nicklaus (photo) will be able to use his name again for future golf course design or design work.

The New York State Supreme Court ruled on the 14th (local time) that Nicklaus, who was sued, can use his name for design work. The plaintiff suing Nicklaus is Howard Milstein, chairman of 8AM, a financial investor who purchased his company brand in 2007.

Nicklaus was sued in May by Jack Nicklaus Company bearing his name and was unable to use his name for business for about seven months.

Nicklaus received $145 million (1.896 trillion KRW) from New York Private Bank & Trust, operated by Milstein, and transferred 49% of the shares of Jack Nicklaus Company. At that time, Nicklaus signed a contract to continue activities for brand expansion. However, in May, he was sued by 8AM in New York State court.

The reason for the lawsuit was that "Nicklaus engaged in malicious acts against the best interests of the company, including intentional and malicious damage to the company."

Nicklaus attended the DP World Tour's Soudal Open held in Belgium and promoted the event without consulting the company (Jack Nicklaus Company), participated in the development of Masters and PGA Tour video games without consulting the company and gave opinions, and discussed receiving a $100 million offer from LIV Golf operated by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

Afterwards, Nicklaus was unable to use his name at official events or represent course designs he created. With more than half of the shares transferred, there was no action Nicklaus could take.

However, at the end of last month, after a three-day hearing, the New York Supreme Court ruled that Nicklaus can use his name for golf course design and other businesses, excluding commercial endorsements.

Nicklaus’s side stated that although he can no longer use his Jack Nicklaus Company, to which he transferred shares, he is expected to continue course design through a new company called 1-JN in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.