Full Breakdown
Knicks Issue Cease-and-Desist to NY State Senate Candidate Aber Kawas Over Logo Use
6/28/2026, 4:48:56 AM
Cease-and-Desist Letter to Aber Kawas Campaign
The New York Knicks, via MSG, mailed a cease-and-desist letter to Aber Kawas on June 27 2026. The letter, drafted by senior vice president and head of legal Bryan N. Warner, alleges that Kawas’ stickers and social-media graphics replicate the Knicks’ orange-and-blue color scheme, basketball icon and lettering, substituting only the team name with her own. The notice cites trademark infringement, dilution, false advertising, false association and unfair competition. Kawas won the Democratic primary that week; her campaign has not issued a reply.
Legal Background
The Knicks previously sent a cease-and-desist to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after his campaign used a modified Knicks logo in an October advertisement. Such letters reflect MSG’s routine protection of its trademarks, a standard practice among professional sports franchises.
Impact
The dispute highlights legal risk for campaigns that adopt protected sports imagery. A successful suit could force removal of infringing items, impose damages, and deter similar branding. The case may prompt candidates nationwide to audit trademark compliance before producing campaign merchandise.
Statements
The cease-and-desist asserts that Kawas’ materials “are likely to mislead the public into believing that the Campaign is affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by, or in some way connected with the Knicks.” It demands immediate removal of all promotional items that incorporate Knicks intellectual property. A MSG spokesperson declined further comment, noting that the letter itself conveys the request. Kawas’ campaign has not issued a public response.
Gaps
Public records show no response from Kawas or her legal counsel, and no lawsuit has been filed. Whether voters were actually misled by the logo remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Campaign's activities ... constitute, among other things, trademark infringement, trademark dilution, false advertising, false association, and unfair competition,” — Bryan N. Warner, Senior Vice President, Madison Square Garden Sports
- “immediately remove all promotional materials incorporating Knicks Intellectual Property, including but not limited to the unauthorized Advertisements, and cease any further use of Knicks Intellectual Property.” — Bryan N. Warner
- “ “Head to the polls to claim your “I Voted for Aber Kawas” champion sticker,” the post also says, while featuring a basketball emoji.” — Aber Kawas campaign
- “speaks for itself.” — Madison Square Garden spokesperson
Outlook
If the Knicks pursue litigation, a court could order removal of the infringing stickers and award damages. Kawas will need new campaign graphics, and the dispute may shape trademark scrutiny in future elections.
