Tatiana Rebane Indefinitely Suspended from CrossFit Competitions Amid Legal Dispute with CrossFit, LLC
Tata Rebane, a CrossFit athlete in the midst of a legal dispute with CrossFit, LLC, has been indefinitely suspended from competing in CrossFit-affiliated competitions. Rebane, who was informed via email that she would not be able to continue competing with her team for the remainder of the 2024 CrossFit Games season, was competing on Made4 CrossFit Team TRETA.
The suspension came as a result of a legal battle that began when Rebane inherited CrossFit Blacksheep from her late brother in 2016. Rebane registered the name with the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) in Brazil, as advised by her lawyer. However, CrossFit, Inc. later filed a lawsuit claiming that Rebane’s use of the name infringed on their rights.
Despite Rebane’s attempts to resolve the dispute and change the registered name of her gym to “Cross Blacksheep Fit,” CrossFit, LLC decided to remove her from competing in the 2024 CrossFit Games season. In response, Rebane expressed her willingness to cooperate with CrossFit and change the name of her gym once again.
A spokesperson for CrossFit stated that Rebane’s removal from the competition was due to her affiliate violating the terms of the Affiliate License Agreement by engaging in activities that negatively impacted the CrossFit community in Brazil. These actions included attempting to register a trademark similar to CrossFit® and using the trademark in connection with non-licensed gyms in Brazil.
Despite Rebane’s efforts to resolve the situation, CrossFit has maintained its decision to suspend her from competing in the 2024 CrossFit Games season. The spokesperson emphasized CrossFit’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property and supporting its Brazilian affiliates.
As a result of the suspension, Rebane’s teammates, Aline Cabral and Vivian Aiello Bomfim, have decided to compete as individuals at the South America Semifinal. Cabral and Bomfim finished 36th and 23rd, respectively, in the South America Quarterfinals last week.
The ongoing legal dispute between Rebane and CrossFit highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights in the world of competitive sports and the impact it can have on athletes and their ability to compete.
