Marketplace Round-Up

STILL ON TRACK? While Kmart, which sponsors Haas-Carter Motorsports' two Winston Cup teams, filed for Chapter 11 yesterday, team Owner Travis Carter is "cautiously optimistic" about the future of his team. Carter said that Kmart "was on schedule with their sponsorship dues at present, and that the company has informed him to continue business as usual" (NASCAR.com, 1/22).

DROP THE GLOVES: In Denver, Tom McGhee reports that USA Hockey filed a lawsuit yesterday in U.S. District Court in Denver against S.F.-based Gap and its Old Navy subsidiary, which has emblazoned "USA Hockey" on its merchandise. In the suit, USA Hockey stated that "it has had the name as a trademark since 1988 to identify various goods — including clothing — and services." The suit also claims that after USA Hockey complained to Gap, an attorney for Gap "said the company wouldn't stop using the mark" (DENVER POST, 1/23).

NOTES: Procter & Gamble's ThermaCare has signed a four-year deal to become the official back pain therapy of the PGA Tour and Senior PGA Tour. Under the deal, ThermaCare will be able to establish on-site programs to provide brand exposure and sampling opportunities at select PGA Tour and Senior PGA Tour events. ThermaCare will also be able to develop Tour-related advertising, using the official designation and Tour logos (PGA Tour)....IMG has entered into a partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame to enhance its national sponsorship program and develop further media, exposition, and other alliances (IMG).