Adidas set to sue All England Club Tennis club in logo row

LONDON – Adidas, which sponsors Tim Henman, is suing the All England Tennis Club next month in a clash about the size of advertising logos on player's clothing.

Adidas is seeking damages from the home of the Wimbledon Championship and an injunction against rules limiting the size of the logos allowed on player's shirtsleeves.

It is part of a worldwide action launched by Adidas against the Grand Slam tournaments, which includes Wimbledon and the International Tennis Federation.

The action against the club includes every member of the club, so Adidas is in effect also suing Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and Henman, who are sponsored to wear the sports giants' clothing.

Ian Ritchie, All England Club chief executive, said: "I think it's a great shame they are suing a group of people who put all the profits of the event back into tennis.

"We think it's heavy handed that the action also includes all the individual members of the club."

The action has come about after the four Grand Slam organisers limited the size of logos, and they claim the Adidas three stripes are subject to the rule change and negotiations.

Last year, Adidas was told that the stripes would need to be restricted and it was given until Wimbledon to comply.

The injunction sought next month would prevent the rule being implemented at Wimbledon, which starts on June 26.

Ritchie added: "We do not want a situation where we see players covered in manufacturers' identifications."

Adidas would not comment on the legal action.

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