Jack Nicklaus Fights Transfer of Branding Consent in Bankruptcy

Golf legend says bankrupt company can't assign invalid contract to new owner

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Jack Nicklaus has filed a court objection arguing that a now-bankrupt golf services company no longer has the right to use his name, image and likeness, and that the company cannot transfer this consent agreement to a potential purchaser as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of intellectual property rights and how they can be impacted by corporate bankruptcy proceedings. Nicklaus is seeking to protect his personal brand and prevent it from being transferred to a new owner without his consent.

The details

According to the court filing, a New York state court ruled last year that Nicklaus had granted the Nicklaus Cos. the right to use his personal intellectual property. However, Nicklaus is now arguing that this consent agreement is no longer valid and cannot be assigned to a new owner through the bankruptcy sale process.

  • The New York state court ruling occurred last year.
  • Nicklaus filed his objection with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on February 6, 2026.

The players

Jack Nicklaus

A legendary professional golfer who is seeking to protect the use of his name, image and likeness.

Nicklaus Cos.

The now-bankrupt golf services company that previously had the right to use Nicklaus' intellectual property.

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What they’re saying

“Nicklaus Cos. doesn't hold a consent agreement from its namesake provider and can't assign an invalid contract to a new owner through a Chapter 11 sale.”

— Jack Nicklaus (Bloomberg Law)

What’s next

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware will need to rule on Nicklaus' objection to the potential transfer of the intellectual property rights as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal issues that can arise when a company's intellectual property rights are tied to an individual's personal brand, especially when that company files for bankruptcy. Nicklaus is seeking to protect the value and control of his name and likeness, which could set an important precedent for similar cases involving celebrity endorsements and licensing agreements.