Oakley’s dispute against Rory McIlroy and Nike officially is over.
Golfweek reported that Judge James Selna of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California ruled in favor of Nike in the matter, which stemmed from the agreement McIlroy signed with the company after leaving Oakley late in 2012.
Oakley filed a five-count complaint against Nike and McIlroy on Dec. 10, 2012, claiming it had the first right of refusal in re-signing McIlroy.
On Nov. 24, McIlroy and Oakley settled their dispute, although terms were not announced. Selna’s ruling was made on Dec. 18.
“We are very pleased the proceedings against Rory have been resolved,” Pat McIlvain, Oakley’s vice president of global sports marketing, said in a statement. “We enjoyed an excellent relationship with Rory as an Oakley brand ambassador.
“He conducted all his engagements on our behalf with energy and professionalism. We recognize that, in his business dealings with us that were the subject matter of this dispute, Rory was represented by his agent.”
In addition to removing the breach-of-contract count from the list of allegations, the court’s decision dealt with the other claims in the complaint, including interference with contractual relations, violation of a California code on unfair competition, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealings, and declaratory relief.
Said Nike in a statement released to Golfweek: “We are pleased with the court’s decision as it reflects the professional approach with which we undertook the negotiations.”
