Launched in 2015, this WCL ball club's (some might say and did) outlandish team name took the Portland community by complete surprise. The complete branding suite featured a nod to the traditional styling of its scripted logo wordmark inspired by the LA Dodgers, classic uniform detail, and eye-catching licensed merchandise all set in the simply rich color palette of navy blue and grey, accented with none other than a vibrant "dill pickle" green.
Last, but not least, the mascot concept development and design brought to life one of the most identifiable and unforgettable characters, affectionately know as Dillon Pickle.
With a dedicated passionate fan base, community popularity and commercial support a decade later, the Portland Pickles have been met with unimaginable success, as Disney's Pixar Studios can attest.
(More to the story in the press release below*)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Lawrence Charles
Publicist & Communications Strategist
toplus2media@outlook.com
Lawrence Charles
Publicist & Communications Strategist
toplus2media@outlook.com
Saint Louis, MO — October 15, 2025
Graphic Designer, Creator of Portland Pickles Visual Identity Speaks Out, in Wake of Disney Trademark Infringement Dispute
Mark Scott Carroll, a Saint Louis–based graphic design artist, is stepping forward to assert his authorship of the Portland Pickles Baseball Club’s iconic visual identity — the brand’s foundation that now sits at the heart of the team’s recently settled trademark dispute with Disney/Pixar.
More than a decade ago, retired American sportscaster Ken Wilson, commissioned Carroll through Ken Wilson Sports Enterprises to develop a comprehensive branding package for the then-new Great West Baseball League team — The Portland Pickles. His work included the primary, secondary, and alternate logos, home and away uniforms, licensed merchandise, marketing assets, and the beloved mascot “Dillon the Pickle.” These elements have since become synonymous with the Pickles’ public image and fan culture.
“The Pickles’ dispute with Disney exists because of the distinct, originality, and staying power of the artwork I created,” said Carroll. “This artwork gave life to Dillon the Pickle character, an identity eagerly adopted by their fan base. As a result, the Pickles franchise flourished and grew. These character attributes gave rise to Disney taking note inspiring their replication of my art. The Pickles recognized that tangible value when they sued, and Disney acknowledged and invested in it when they settled. As the originator, I am asserting my contractual rights provision to declare and claim provenance of the Pickles brand, protecting the integrity of my work. My livelihood depends on the value of my ideas.”
Court filings in the case cited “substantially and confusingly similar” logos and brand elements in Pixar’s Win or Lose series, leading the Pickles to argue that Disney’s actions created “marketplace confusion.” Media coverage described the case as a “David vs. Goliath” battle, underscoring the power of a small-market team’s brand identity standing firm against one of the world’s largest entertainment companies.
For Carroll, the outcome is both a professional validation while citing Disney’s unauthorized use
of his creative work in Pixar’s series highlighting a broader issue: that original art holds immense value
in shaping brands, businesses, and cultural presence.
of his creative work in Pixar’s series highlighting a broader issue: that original art holds immense value
in shaping brands, businesses, and cultural presence.
“It’s not enough to make great work,” Carroll said. “Artists must understand contracts, ownership, and the language that protects them. Too many creatives have seen their art — and its value — taken without credit or compensation. My goal is to make sure the next generation never has to learn the hard way that protecting your work is just as important as creating it.”
For more information on Carroll’s original Portland Pickles designs, or to connect for media interviews, visit markscottcarroll.com/contact.
About Mark Scott Carroll
Mark Scott Carroll is a veteran graphic designer and brand consultant with over 30 years of experience in sports branding and identity design. His work has spanned professional, collegiate, and amateur leagues, with projects commissioned by Ken Wilson Sports Enterprises and numerous franchises. Carroll’s portfolio includes:
Mercy/Blues/Cardinals partnerships
Great West Baseball League: Portland Pickles (2014), Klamath Falls Gems (2010), Cowlitz Black Bears (2009), Chico Heat (2014), Portland Freddies (2014)
Frontier League Professional Minor League Baseball: River City Rascals (2000), Gateway Grizzlies (2002), Heartland Eagles (2002), Heartland Twisters (2003)
Women’s Collegiate Softball League (2021)
Hawaiian Sports Network (2004)
Chesterfield Hockey Association (1995)
International & Amateur Sports: ESC München Blue Bears (German Elite Professional Hockey League, 1995), Lake City Legends Baseball (2007)
Carroll’s career reflects a lifetime of design innovation, storytelling through branding, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the value of creative work.
— FIN —
Special thanks to my writer & editors: Lawrence Charles, Marissa Velazquez and G.L. Hudson
