Fri Apr 04 21:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus Wins Right to Use His Own Name After Legal Battle
**NEW YORK, NY** – Golf icon Jack Nicklaus has won a significant legal victory, securing the right to use his name, image, and likeness in his business endeavors. A New York Supreme Court judge ruled in Nicklaus’ favor last week, concluding a protracted legal battle against Nicklaus Companies, LLC, the company he founded but no longer owns.
The dispute stemmed from Nicklaus’ 2007 sale of equity in Nicklaus Companies to Howard Milstein, who subsequently gained full ownership. A rift developed between Nicklaus and Milstein, leading Nicklaus to leave the company in 2017 after a five-year non-compete clause expired. Nicklaus then launched 1-JN, a new golf course design company, prompting Milstein to attempt to prevent him from using his own name.
While an arbitrator previously ruled in Nicklaus’ favor, allowing him to compete against Nicklaus Companies, Milstein challenged this decision in court. Justice Joel M. Cohen’s recent ruling affirms the arbitrator’s decision, granting Nicklaus the right to design courses and solicit clients under his own name. However, the ruling also clarifies that Nicklaus Companies retains ownership of its trademarks and can continue to operate using the Nicklaus name and logos.
Despite this victory, the legal battle is far from over. Nicklaus Companies has filed a separate lawsuit against Nicklaus, and Milstein plans to appeal the recent ruling. A defamation suit filed by Nicklaus against Milstein, related to allegations of Nicklaus’ involvement with LIV Golf, further complicates the ongoing feud. The two parties remain locked in multiple legal disputes.
First Piper 