Dill With It, Disney: The Portland Pickles File Trademark Infringement Lawsuit Against Disney

In what is shaping up to be a classic "David vs. Goliath" legal battle, Portland’s beloved baseball team, the Portland Pickles, has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against none other than The Walt Disney Company. At the heart of the dispute? A new Disney+ animated series and merchandise line that allegedly borrows too closely from the Pickles’ distinctive identity.

The lawsuit, filed May 7 in the U.S. District Court of Oregon, claims that Disney’s series Win or Lose, which features a fictional softball team called “The Pickles,” uses logos, themes, and branding elements that are “substantially and confusingly similar” to the marks long held and promoted by Portland’s team. The Pickles allege that merchandise related to Disney’s show has been sold through major retailers like Walmart, Kohl’s, and Target—prompting real-world confusion among fans who believe the two entities are affiliated.

And the confusion is not hypothetical. The Pickles say they’ve received repeated inquiries from fans assuming there must be a licensing or collaboration agreement in place with Disney. There is not.

Founded in 2015 and owned by Alan Miller—a former music executive and current head of Collide marketing agency—the Portland Pickles have built more than a team; they’ve built a brand. With quirky charm and a mascot named Dillon that embodies the team’s playful spirit, the Pickles have cultivated a loyal following that stretches well beyond Oregon. Their identity is more than just visual—it’s cultural.

That’s precisely what makes this case notable. It is not merely a battle over color schemes or fonts. It’s a fight to protect a community-driven brand that grew from the ground up. According to the Pickles’ legal team at Lewis Brisbois, the aim is not only to stop the alleged infringement but also to hold Disney accountable for profits earned through the use of what the Pickles believe to be their marks.

The lawsuit requests an injunction, a halt to any continued use of the alleged infringing marks, Disney’s profits from the merchandise, and punitive damages.

In a public statement, the Pickles said:

“We may not have limitless resources, but we have something equally powerful: an unwavering belief in defending what we’ve created…on behalf of the little guy.”

At Ed White Law, we are continually reminded that protecting intellectual property is not just for mega-corporations. It's for creators, entrepreneurs, and yes—even a pickle-themed baseball team—who invest time, money, and heart into their brand. Trademark law exists to safeguard those efforts, and the Pickles’ story is a bold reminder of why it matters.

Stay tuned as this case unfolds. One thing is certain: even the smallest brands can have a big voice when they stand up for their rights.

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