U.S. Polo Association Comments on Second Circuit Decision

The United States Polo Association, Inc. (“USPA”), the governing body of the sport of polo in the United States since 1890, and USPA Properties, Inc., today issued the following statement regarding the decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacating a contempt order against USPA. In the decision, the Second Circuit ruled that it was error for the district court to have applied a prior injunction that was limited to fragrance/cosmetic products to use of USPA’s distinctive Double Horseman Mark in other markets, such as eyewear. The decision represents another setback for the aggressive legal tactics of Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL) (“RL”).

W. David Cummings, President and Chief Executive Officer of USPA Properties, Inc., said, “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. 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.”

The Second Circuit became the third federal court in the last eight months to reject RL’s overly aggressive litigation tactics. On September 24, 2014 and March 27, 2015, two separate federal judges in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (“SDNY”) denied RL’s attempts to avoid its agreement to arbitrate certain other trademark claims brought against the USPA.

Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP has represented USPA in all three legal decisions.

About the United States Polo Association ®

Founded in 1890, the United States Polo Association (USPA) is the national governing body for the sport of polo in North America and is one of the oldest sport governing bodies in the United States. With over 270 member clubs and 40 national tournaments, the USPA governs polo handicaps, tournament rules and safety regulations, to ensure the welfare and being of both horse and player. Funded by sales from the officially licensed consumer brand, U.S. Polo Assn., the USPA purposefully re-invests revenue by underwriting numerous development programs to expand and sustain the sport of polo. For more information please visit www.uspolo.org and uspoloassnglobal.com.