PEI Licensing, the owner of the Penguin apparel brand, has filed a lawsuit in a U.S. federal court against the Pudgy Penguins NFT project, accusing it of trademark infringement through retail products such as plush toys and clothing.
According to the complaint, PEI sent a cease-and-desist letter in October 2023, but Pudgy Penguins continued to sell the products, potentially causing consumers to confuse the project with the Penguin brand established in 1955.
Recently, Pudgy Penguins expanded into consumer goods and placed products in major retail chains like Walmart and Target. CEO Luca Netz stated that the company has sold over one million toys.
PEI is seeking full compensation for all profits earned by Pudgy Penguins from the allegedly infringing products.