The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a dispute between Roberto Clemente's sons and Puerto Rico over commemorative license plates. The sons claimed the unauthorized use of Clemente's likeness, which generated $15 million for Puerto Rico, violated constitutional protections. The lawsuit sought $45 million in damages and $3.15 million in trademark infringement compensation.
Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Clemente played 18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 to 1972. A 15-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, he died at age 38 in a 1972 plane crash while delivering aid to Nicaragua. The lawsuit was dismissed by Judge Gina Méndez-Miró, and the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals partially upheld that ruling.
In a filing to the Supreme Court, lawyers argued lower courts improperly concluded the Fifth Amendment does not apply to intangible property like trademarks. They warned the ruling would invite government to take trademarks on demand with no compensation. Although disappointed, the family looks forward to litigating remaining claims in trial court.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing