Luka Dončić and His Mother: The Story Behind the Trademark Dispute

The world of basketball continues to follow the career of one of the NBA’s brightest stars: Luka Dončić. The Slovenian sensation, now playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, has experienced both incredible success on the court and personal challenges off of it. Beyond a trade that sent him away from the Dallas Mavericks and ongoing family matters, a lesser-known legal battle with his mother recently drew significant attention.

Dončić’s path to NBA stardom began with a move from Real Madrid to the United States in 2018, where he was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks before being immediately traded to Dallas. It was during this pivotal time that a business arrangement with his mother, Mirjam Poterbin, would later become a point of contention.

The Origins of the Dispute

At 19 years old and adapting to life in the NBA, Dončić granted his mother the official consent to register the trademark “LUKA DONČIĆ 7.” This was intended to facilitate the sale of his first official merchandise while he established himself in the league. Poterbin, a successful businesswoman in her own right, had already been instrumental in managing the logistics of her son’s young career, particularly after the family relocated to Spain when Luka was 13.

As Dončić’s profile soared and he secured lucrative endorsement deals – most notably with Jordan Brand – he sought greater control over his own business affairs and image rights. In July 2021, he formally notified his mother, revoking her consent to the trademark and requesting she relinquish control. Poterbin refused to cede the trademark, setting the stage for a legal conflict.

When Dončić attempted to register new trademarks under “Luka Dončić” and “Luka Dončić 77,” the United States Patent and Trademark Office rejected his applications. The reason? They conflicted directly with the existing trademark held by his mother. Frustrated by his inability to freely use his own name, Dončić, in September 2022, initiated a lawsuit seeking the cancellation of the existing trademark, escalating the dispute into a public legal battle.

Resolution and the Path Forward

The legal proceedings took an unexpected turn in December 2022 when Dončić voluntarily withdrew the cancellation lawsuit before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This move halted the legal process and prevented the case from going to a judge. The withdrawal effectively closed the case in early 2023, leaving the original trademark registration in Poterbin’s name.

Following the case’s closure, Dončić was then able to proceed with registering his own trademarks, allowing him to manage his personal brand and business ventures independently. While the specific terms of any private agreement reached between Dončić and his mother remain undisclosed, the withdrawal of the lawsuit allowed both parties to continue their professional activities without further legal obstruction.

Mirjam Poterbin: Beyond Motherhood

Mirjam Poterbin is a successful entrepreneur in her own right, having established a chain of beauty centers in Slovenia prior to her son’s basketball career. She played a crucial role in managing all aspects of Luka’s life, from logistical support during his early years in Spain to handling administrative tasks and personal affairs. She maintained exclusive control of Dončić’s personal brand from his arrival in the NBA in 2018 until the resolution of the trademark dispute in 2022, overseeing patents and commercial agreements.

Dončić’s current situation with the Los Angeles Lakers, after a trade from the Dallas Mavericks in 2025, adds another layer to his complex off-court life. [1] He has also faced a recent one-game suspension due to accumulating technical fouls. [2] Despite these challenges, Dončić remains one of the NBA’s most exciting and marketable players, a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA First Team selection. [1]

The resolution of the trademark dispute, while private, appears to have allowed both Dončić and his mother to move forward independently. Dončić can now fully control his brand, while Poterbin continues to manage her own successful business ventures. The incident serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated athletes face personal and legal complexities alongside their professional achievements.

As of March 30, 2026, Dončić and the Lakers are preparing for the remainder of the NBA season, with continued speculation about a potential return to the Mavericks fueled by his partnership with former Dallas GM Donnie Nelson on an investment in a European basketball team. [3] The future remains unwritten for both Dončić and his mother, but their story underscores the importance of navigating personal and professional relationships with clarity and legal foresight.

Key Takeaways:

• Luka Dončić sued his mother over the trademark of his name and image.
• The dispute stemmed from Dončić’s desire to control his own branding and business affairs.
• The lawsuit was ultimately withdrawn, allowing Dončić to register his own trademarks.
• Mirjam Poterbin is a successful entrepreneur who played a vital role in her son’s early career.

Dončić will next be in action with the Los Angeles Lakers on April 2nd against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco (10:30 PM ET / 02:30 UTC).

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