Black Fitness Coach With 3.3M YouTube Followers Fights Back in Trademark Dispute

Nationwide — NDO Nation, LLC (NDO Nation) and its founder, Robert Wilmote (AKA NDO Champ), are fighting back against what they believe to be an unjust and damaging legal attack by NDO Holdings, LLC (NDO Holdings) and its Founder, Jonathan Manning Sumner, in the Southern District of Florida’s District Court, under Case No. 1:2024cv22341. The dispute centers around the use of the trademark “NDO” and the well-known phrase “No Days Off,” a common motivational mantra used historically within the fitness industry. NDO Nation contends that NDO Holdings and Sumner, are deliberately attempting to undermine its established brand and reputation through misleading trademark claims.

NDO Nation, led by Wilmote — popularly known as “NDO Champ” — has been a beacon of motivation and community empowerment since 2012. Wilmote is a respected fitness trainer, bodybuilder, motivational speaker, and subject of the Emmy Award-winning short film about his life, Grind: The Robert Wilmote Story. He has amassed millions of followers across social media platforms under the “NDO Champ” and “NDO Nation” brands, as well as establishing the NDO Nation Foundation, that provides empowerment, mentorship, and guidance to at-risk youth. These brands represent a lifestyle and community dedicated to hard work, discipline, positive influence, and the power of transformation.

“We are fighting not just for our brand but for our community and the legacy we have built over the past decade. NDO Nation is about empowering people [and youth] to be their best selves, and no one can trademark that spirit,” said Wilmote. “And me, as NDO Champ, I’ve tried to live that spirit in fitness and in life and in helping the youth.”

Since 2012, Wilmote has inspired millions through his journey from adversity to success. His story, chronicled in the 11-time award-winning short film Grind: The Robert Wilmote Story, showcases his dedication to uplifting youth and spreading a message of resilience and perseverance. With over 2.88 million subscribers on YouTube and millions of followers on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok combined, Wilmote’s influence extends far beyond the fitness industry.

The legal battle began in June of 2024, when NDO Holdings LLC, a company formed in December 2021—nearly a decade after Wilmote began using the “NDO” name and “No Days Off” mantra—filed a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement of their “No Days Off” trademark. However, NDO Nation argues that NDO Holdings’ claims are baseless, as the term “No Days Off” is widely recognized in the fitness industry as a generic motivational phrase, not as a brand identifier. Instead, NDO Nation says that NDO Holdings is trying to capitalize on the fame of NDO Champ by releasing a water brand, NDO H2O, despite being on legal notice of NDO Nation’s plans to launch an energy drink and supplement line.

Currently, NDO Holdings, led by Manning Sumner, owner of Legacy Fit Gyms in South Florida, is accused by NDO Nation of:

• Allegedly exploiting the popularity and goodwill of NDO Nation and Wilmote through falsely claiming rights to the “NDO” and “No Days Off” phrases;
• Deliberately choosing the name NDO H2O for their canned water to mislead consumers to believe their products are affiliated with Wilmote and the NDO Nation brand. Upon information and belief, NDO Holdings, or those acting closely thereto, have reached out to Wilmote’s business contacts and joint venture partners, to attempt to capitalize on the NDO Champ/NDO Nation fame by naming products similar to Wilmote’s brand (like their NDO H2O water—which is the exclusive sponsored water of the NBA’s Miami Heat and the Kaseya Center; NDO-brand supplements; and more), for their own gain, and to seemingly create a false association between NDO Holdings and NDO Nation.

NDO Nation and Robert Wilmote are confident in their legal position and remain committed to defending the brand, community, and mission. Wilmote is calling on his global supporters to stand by his side in this fight for truth and justice.

Followers are encouraged to purchase official NDO Nation merchandise at www.ndonation.com to proudly represent the movement and support Robert Wilmote’s fight against injustice and attempts to strip him of the brand he spent 12 years building. Every purchase helps NDO Nation continue its mission of empowerment and community building.

Additionally, the public can stand with Robert Wilmote and NDO Nation by posting on social media using the hashtags #StandWithNDOChamp and #NDONationStrong. Share your story of perseverance, show off your NDO merch, and let the world know that the spirit of “No Days Off” belongs to the people—not to a corporation.

About NDO Nation

NDO Nation LLC, founded by Robert Wilmote, and his wife Winell Wilmote, is more than just a fitness brand; it is a movement of empowerment and perseverance. Through motivational speaking, fitness coaching, and community outreach, NDO Nation has impacted lives worldwide, promoting the philosophy of hard work, discipline, and no excuses.

For press inquiries, contact Leah Frazier, Think Three Media, at 469-428-7498 or Leah@ThinkThreeMedia.com