Cubs, MLB suing Wrigleyville vendors for selling knockoff merch

The Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball sued several "Wrigleyville" vendors on Thursday in an attempt to put an end to the alleged rise of counterfeit team merchandise being sold in the area surrounding Wrigley Field.

MLB and the Cubs are accusing the vendors of selling knockoff goods that infringe on both team and league trademarks, reports ESPN's Darren Rovell.

According to Rovell, the plaintiffs in the case want to see the vendors barred from the sale and production of these goods immediately, as they're using Cubs trademarks "to dupe unwitting fans and the public into purchasing the defendants' knockoff products."

The suit asks that the vendors be barred through a temporary restraining order while the plaintiffs attempt to get a permanent injunction to block any future sale of these goods by the individuals.

With the Cubs owning the best record in baseball at 98-55, the vendors in question are alleged to be reaping the benefits of selling counterfeit items, and would stand to profit even more during the postseason.

Rovell writes the vendors are able to sell the unlicensed merchandise at a lower price than official team items because they do not have to pay royalties to the team or league.