Wembanyama was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft and was chosen as the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists. He filed a complaint in a Texas federal court against James T. Glodich, who is described as living in Austin, Sportico reports. According to Wembanyama’s filing, Glodich began a plan to use his NIL a month after he was selected by the Spurs in the draft.
The complaint says, per Sportico, that beginning in August 2023, Glodich filed federal trademark applications for “El Wemby” and “Wemby’s World” and registered the domain name www.wembysworld.com. The site sold items and depicted photos of Wembanyama under the heading “Wemby in the Wild.” As of Wednesday afternoon, going to the address now shows a black screen with the words “Coming Soon” at the center of the page.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office refused to register the marks because they “falsely suggest a connection” with Wembanyama. Glodich allegedly has not responded to multiple letters informing him that he must refrain from using Wembanyama’s NIL.
Represented by John M. Guaragna and Michael A. Geller from DLA Piper, Wembanyama alleges Glodich is liable for false endorsement and violating the right of privacy, Sportico reports.
Wembanyama seeks a jury trial and a court order that Glodich stop his violations and pay monetary damages reflecting how Wembanyama’s NIL was harmed.
Glodich will have an opportunity to answer the complaint, deny wrongdoing and motion for the dismissal of the complaint.