Tennis ball maker sues rival over claim as No. 1

April 30, 2012

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HARTFORD, Conn.—Tennis ball maker Penn is taking exception to some advertising claims by Dunlop and has served its rival with a federal lawsuit.

Penn Racquet Sports Inc. and parent, Head USA Inc., filed a claim of false advertising Monday in U.S. District Court in Connecticut. The lawsuit claims that Dunlop International Ltd. and Dunlop Sports Group Americas Inc. have been misleading the public by labeling Dunlop balls as the "World's No. 1 Ball" and boasting that it has a 70 percent share of the global tennis ball market.

Penn argues Dunlop doesn't have the largest worldwide share and shouldn't be allowed to use the No. 1 claim.

The lawsuit says Dunlop agreed to stop using that word but hasn't.

Neither side responded to messages left Monday seeking comment.