Swiss Court Rejected Hockey Canada Uniform Bid
The ruling allows the International Ice Hockey Federation to proceed with its new supply agreement with TRUE Hockey.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hockey
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A Zurich court has rejected Hockey Canada’s bid to block a uniform supply agreement between the International Ice Hockey Federation and TRUE Hockey. The court also revoked temporary orders issued in May that had restricted the IIHF from commercializing team jerseys.
Why it matters
Hockey Canada argued that the IIHF could not manufacture or sell jerseys without its approval, seeking to maintain sole discretion over its commercial partners. The ruling confirms that the IIHF maintains broad commercial rights connected to its competitions.
The dispute involves a contract valuation of 21.2 million Swiss francs, or more than $36 million CAD. Additionally, 15% of the revenue generated from the TRUE Hockey agreement is set to be distributed among member hockey associations.
The players
Hockey Canada
This is the national governing body for ice hockey in Canada that oversees programs and commercial interests for national teams.
International Ice Hockey Federation
This organization is the worldwide governing body for the sport of ice hockey that manages international tournaments and regulations.
TRUE Hockey
Headquartered in Brantford, Ontario, this company is a manufacturer of hockey equipment and apparel that replaced Nike as the IIHF supplier.
USA Hockey
This organization serves as the national governing body for the sport of ice hockey in the United States.
The details
The court ruled that TRUE Hockey, which replaced Nike as the supplier, can manufacture generic red-and-white jerseys without using Hockey Canada’s intellectual property. USA Hockey had joined Hockey Canada in the legal challenge, which excludes Olympic and world championship events from the contract.
Timeline
In May 2026, a Zurich court issued temporary orders against the IIHF.
On September 29, 2026, the Swiss court issued its ruling on interim measures.
Hockey Canada has until October 2026 to file an appeal of the decision.
Season Trajectory
This court decision settles the immediate supply chain uncertainty that threatened the IIHF event branding strategy for the current season. By affirming the federation's commercial rights, the ruling provides stability for international event organizers and the league's equipment partners.
The ruling ensures that TRUE Hockey will remain the active supplier for upcoming international events governed by the IIHF. Fans should expect to see the new jersey branding on the ice, as the court confirmed the federation's right to proceed with the contract.
The takeaway
This ruling highlights the complex intersection of intellectual property rights and international sports governance. Organizations must carefully navigate their commercial agreements to ensure they maintain clear, enforceable control over their brand assets.
What happens next
Hockey Canada has 30 days to file an official appeal against the September 29 court ruling, with the deadline occurring in October 2026.
Further reading
For more background on international tournament regulations, visit the Hockey section.
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