26-cv-12897 | Monster Energy Files Again: Claw-Logo Merchandise Sellers Should Check

Case overview

• Plaintiff: Monster Energy Company (the U.S. energy drink brand)
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• Filed: October 20, 2026
• Status: Filed. The plaintiff also filed a “Leave to File” procedural document the same day, which in Schedule A cases is typically used to seek leave to file the defendant list and other materials under seal.

Monster Energy also filed a Schedule A case in the same court last Friday, October 16 (26-cv-12719).

The complaint and Schedule A defendant list are not yet public; the rights and products at issue will be updated.

What may happen next

Schedule A plaintiffs usually move for a TRO within days of filing. Once granted, marketplaces freeze defendants’ funds. If your store is frozen in the coming days and your products relate to this brand, this case is a likely source.

Seller checklist

Monster Energy enforcement usually centers on its green claw “M” logo. We suggest:

• Check for stickers, caps, apparel, helmets, and decals bearing the claw logo or Monster Energy name
• Motorcycle, off-road, and racing merchandise is a frequent target
• Avoid designs that resemble the claw logo

Already frozen?

Keep the platform notice, emails from plaintiff’s counsel, affected listings, and sales records. Hold off on replying to the plaintiff or signing anything, and have counsel review the case. See: Store Frozen by a TRO: The First 72 Hours.

Source

CourtListener public docket: 26-cv-12897