While the City of Pasadena typically does not provide comment on pending litigation, the egregiousness and contentiousness of the Tournament of Roses’ legal action last week warrants a response.
The City is disappointed that its longtime partner, the Tournament of Roses, has chosen this divisive path. The fact is, the dispute between the parties is not about trademarks, as the Tournament has claimed. It is about the Master License Agreement between the parties that requires that the Rose Bowl Game be played at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
According to Mayor Victor Gordo, “It is unexpected and unfortunate that our partner for nearly a century has chosen this route.” The City Council is resolute and has vowed to vigorously defend the City’s position.