http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Headline Trademarks Legal News from LexisNexis® en-us http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/images/lexismealeyslogo.gif 130 29 http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Copyright 2012 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%201%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - Operators of a "large, fluid network of Internet websites" were deemed liable on April 30 for $100 million in damages six weeks after being accused of trademark infringement and cybersquatting by luxury apparel retailer Herm[#232]s International (Herm[#232]s International v. John Doe 1 et al., No. 12-1623, S.D. N.Y.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%202%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CHICAGO - A trademark infringement defendant's letter notifying customers that its franchise relationship with a plaintiff was set to expire did not create confusion as to affiliation or sponsorship, the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled April 23 (Anago Franchising Inc. v. IMTN Inc., No. 11-585, 7th Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 8120). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%203%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LOS ANGELES - Most intellectual property and unfair competition claims were dismissed April 24 in California federal court in a family feud involving the developer of a popular line of folding bicycles and his wife and son (Dahon North America, Inc. v. Joshua Hon, et al., No. 2:11-cv-05835, C.D. Calif.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 57510). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%204%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SAN FRANCISCO - The trademarks "Groupon" and "Groupion" are dissimilar, a California federal judge held May 8, granting a motion for summary judgment submitted by defendant Groupon Inc. (Groupion LLC. v. Groupon Inc., No. 11-870, N.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%205%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CINCINNATI - Although it remains unclear whether the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has adopted the aesthetic functionality doctrine discussed by the U.S. Supreme Court in TrafFix Devices Inc. v. Marketing Displays Inc. (532 U.S. 23, 33 [2001]), the appellate panel said May 9 that it nonetheless rejects the notion that a red wax seal on bottles of alcohol is functional because the argument fails under a competition theory of functionality (Maker's Mark Distillery Inc. v. Diageo North America Inc., Tequila Cuervo La Rojena S.A. de C.V., Jose Cuervo International Inc., Casa Cuervo S.A. de C.V., Nos. 10-5508, 5586, 5819, 6th Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 9403). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%206%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank DENVER - A plaintiff did "not establish that he had a legally enforceable interest" in the "Jeet Kune Do" mark, a 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel found May 7, affirming a lower court's dismissal of his trademark infringement and cyberpiracy claims against another user of the mark (Carter Hargrave v. Chief Asian LLC, et al., No. 11-5112, 10th Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 9231). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%207%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - A trial court abused its discretion in failing to recognize that a partner firm in limited liability company (LLC) had a fiduciary duty to both the LLC and the other member firm, a Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel ruled May 11, vacating the lower court's denial of a preliminary injunction related to the operation of two websites that the parties previously operated together (Health and Body Store LLC, et al. v. Justbrand Limited, et al., No. 11-4132, 3rd Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 9604). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%208%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - Despite prevailing on summary judgment, a trademark infringement defendant was denied an award of attorney fees April 26 by a New York federal judge (The Gameologist Group LLC v. Scientific Games International Inc., No. 09-6261, S.D. N.Y.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 58734). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%209%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - An asset sale of a bankrupt ceramics business that included "all intellectual property" also included the trademark "MacKenzie-Childs," the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled May 1 (MacKenzie-Childs LLC, et al. v. Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, et al., No. 11-914, 2nd Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 8803). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2010%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank DETROIT - Citing evidence that a trademark infringement defendant's website "welcomed Michigan customers and enabled them to enter into contracts for the purchase of goods," a federal judge on April 30 denied dismissal of a dispute (Masco Corp. of Indiana d/b/a Delta Faucet Company v. Delta Imports LLC, No. 11-14720, E.D. Mich.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 59979). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2011%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - A plaintiff asserting trademark infringement stemming from the cancellation of a restaurant franchise agreement has asserted no claims that justify federal jurisdiction, a magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico said May 3 in remanding the claims (Franquicias Nativas Inc. et. al. v. Cleridel Corporation, No. 11-1934 [MEL]; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 62287). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2012%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A Virginia federal jury properly convicted two defendants accused of smuggling counterfeit Burberry Ltd. products into the United States, the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled April 16 (United States of America v. Chong Lam v. Burberry Ltd., No. 11-4056, United States of America v. Siu Yung Chan v. Burberry Ltd., No. 11-4081, 4th Cir.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2013%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SANTA ANA, Calif. - The owner of the domain WestCoastCorvette.com was granted an injunction on April 23 to prevent a competitor from using a very similar domain to divert traffic to its own website, with a California federal judge finding the plaintiff likely to succeed on the merits of its claims brought under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) (West Coast Corvettes Inc. v. MV Marketing Inc., No. 8:12-cv-00269, C.D. Calif.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 56676). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2014%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHILADELPHIA - A Pennsylvania federal judge has denied an injunction based on infringement claims brought by a national seller of frozen sandwich steak and hamburger products against a South Philadelphia pizza shop and corner grocery, saying in an April 11 opinion that the plaintiff had presented no evidence of brand confusion (The Steak Umm Company v. Steak 'Em Up, No. 5:09-cv-2857 E.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51549). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2015%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank HOUSTON - Efforts by the famed King Ranch in Texas to stop a Colorado builder from identifying a residential development as the "King Ranch Estates" failed May 16 when a Texas federal judge refused to enter preliminary or permanent injunctive relief in a trademark infringement case (King Ranch Inc. v. D.R. Horton Inc., No. 12-797, S.D. Texas.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68230). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2016%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - The Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on April 18 found that an underlying complaint fails to allege any personal or advertising injury against an insured, affirming a lower court's ruling that the insurer has no duty to defend an underlying lawsuit alleging that the insured committed copyright and trade dress violations (Feldman Law Group, P.C., as assignee of The Hyman Companies Inc. v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, No. 11-4483-cv, 2nd Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 7787). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2017%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Hokto Kinoko Company, et al. v. Concord Farms, Inc., No. 11-56461, 9th Cir. Appellant brief: Filed Feb21 by Concord Farms IncAppellant brief available 78-120521-004B http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2018%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Studio A Entertainment, Inc. v. Action DVD, et al., No. 09-4358, 6th Cir. Appellant brief: Filed March 23 by Action DVD and Alex BelferAppellant brief available 78-120521-011B http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2019%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Remark LLC v. Adell Broadcasting Corporation, d/b/a WADL-TV, Nos. 11-2349, 11-2442, 6th Cir.; See April 2012, Page 22. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2020%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Experience Hendrix LLC and Authentic Hendrix LLC v. HendrixLicensing.com Ltd. d/b/a Hendrix Artwork and HendrixArtwork.com and Andrew Pitsicalis, Nos. 11-35858, 11-35872, 9th Cir.; See February 2012, Page 20. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2021%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Neurovision Medical Products, Inc. v. NuVasive, Inc., Nos. 11-55120, 11-55756, 9th Cir.; See January 2012, Page 21. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-9%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2022%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Oriental Financial Group, Inc., et al. v. Cooperativa de Ahorro y Cr[#233]dito Oriental, Nos. 11-1473, 11-1476, 1st Cir.; See December 2011, Page 23. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%201%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank RICHMOND, Va. - A Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel on April 9 found sufficient evidence to create an issue of fact as to whether Google Inc. had committed direct infringement by allowing the use of third-party trademarks by participants in its AdWords program, reversing in part a trial court's summary judgment in the Internet giant's favor (Rosetta Stone Ltd. v. Google Inc., No. 10-2007, 4th Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 7082; See 1/7/11, Page 60). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%202%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW ORLEANS - While stopping short of declaring the "Who Dat" trademark protectable, a Louisiana federal judge on April 3 refused to dismiss an infringement action after finding that declaratory judgment plaintiffs in the case failed to demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact (Who Dat Yat Chat LLC et al. v. Who Dat? Inc., No. 10-1333, E.D. La.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 46733). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%203%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LAS VEGAS - A Nevada federal judge on April 10 denied a motion for judgment on the pleadings in a copyright and trademark dispute over the resale of unauthorized software (Adobe Systems Inc. v. Joshua Christensen et al., No. 10-422, D. Nev.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 49878). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%204%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) properly rejected as functional a trademark application for a closure cap for blood collection tubes, the Federal Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled April 12 in a divided ruling (In re: Becton, Dickinson and Company, No. 11-1111, Fed. Cir.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%205%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CLEVELAND - A jury's January verdict in favor of a Lanham Act defendant was not "seriously erroneous," an Ohio federal judge said April 9 (All Metal Sales Inc. v. All Metal Source LLC, No. 10-2343, N.D. Ohio.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 49677). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%206%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank MINNEAPOLIS - A trademark infringement defendant's effort to obtain dismissal of the claim on grounds that the plaintiff's proof of continued use - known as a Section 8 affidavit, pursuant to 15 U.S. Code Section 1058(a)(1) - was untimely filed with the U.S. Trademark Office failed April 6 (Ritchie Engineering Company Inc. v. Delta T. Corp, No. 11-1513, D. Minn.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 48891). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%207%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - A New York federal judge did not commit reversible error by refusing to stay a trademark infringement lawsuit pending resolution of a related criminal proceeding, the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled March 29 (Louis Vuitton Malletier S.A. v. LY USA Inc., et al., Nos. 08-4483, 4527, 4528, 5273, 5290, 2nd Cir.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%208%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PHOENIX - A motion for judgment on the pleadings by a trademark infringement defendant was denied March 28 by an Arizona federal judge, who instead granted the plaintiff's motion to amend its complaint to add a claim for intentional interference with a business relationship (Market Studies LLC v. Technical Analysis Inc., No. 11-1895, D. Ariz.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 42418). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%209%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank PITTSBURGH - An insurer's allegation of false or misleading statements in violation of the Lanham Act was rejected March 28 by a Pennsylvania federal judge, who found "no indication" that any confusion resulted (Premier Comp Solutions LLC v. Penn National Insurance Co., No. 07-1764, W.D. Pa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 42524). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2010%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank OMAHA, Neb. - Although a trademark infringement defendant's Internet-based activities were not intentionally targeted at Nebraska residents, a Nebraska federal judge on March 27 nonetheless found the exercise of jurisdiction there proper (Sam Amenta v. Romeo's Pizza Inc., No. 11-227, D. Neb.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 41394). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2011%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A California federal judge on March 20 declined reconsideration of an earlier conclusion that two trade dress infringement counterclaimants failed to demonstrate that the bottle design for their tequila brand is distinctive (E&J Gallo v. Proximo Spirits Inc., No. 10-411, E.D. Calif.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37783). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2012%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank DENVER - Efforts by a trademark infringement plaintiff to reopen its dispute with a competitor in order to obtain permanent injunctive relief and an award of attorney fees were rejected March 29 by a Colorado federal judge (Tony's Taps LLC d/b/a Pagosa Brewing Company Inc. v. PS Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Pagosa Brewpub, No. 08-1119, D. Colo.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 43293). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2013%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Unique Sports Products, Inc., v. Ferrari Importing Company, No. 11-15586, 11th Cir. Appellant brief: Filed Jan23 by Ferrari Importing Company d/b/a Gamma SportsAppellant brief available 78-120416-013B http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2014%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Experience Hendrix LLC and Authentic Hendrix LLC v. HendrixLicensing.com Ltd. d/b/a Hendrix Artwork and HendrixArtwork.com and Andrew Pitsicalis, Nos. 11-35858, 11-35872, 9th Cir.; See February 2012, Page 20. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-8%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2015%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Remark LLC v. Adell Broadcasting Corporation, d/b/a WADL-TV, Nos. 11-2349, 11-2442, 6th Cir.; See March 2012, Page 24. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%201%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WASHINGTON, D.C. - Although the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) properly found no likelihood of confusion resulting from the use of "Coach" for educational materials, the Federal Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Feb. 21 vacated the board's acquired distinctiveness analysis (Coach Services Inc. v. Triumph Learning LLC, No. 11-1129, Fed. Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 3385). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%202%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank MINNEAPOLIS - Because a plaintiff initiated its cybersquatting and defamation claims against a dissatisfied former customer in Minnesota federal court, a judge in that court held March 12, the plaintiff waived its right to dismiss the defendant's counterclaims for lack of jurisdiction in light of a forum selection provision included in an agreement between the parties (Jalin Realty Capital Advisors LLC, et al. v. A Better Wireless, NISP, LLC, No. 0:11-cv-00165, D. Minn.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 32730). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%203%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEWARK, N.J. - A New Jersey federal judge on March 9 concluded that cable and broadband giant Comcast Corp. did not obtain its www.fancast.com with a bad faith intent to profit, despite claims of cybersquatting by the owner of www.fancaster.com (Fancaster Inc., et al. v. Comcast Corp., et al., No. 2:08-cv-02922, D. N.J.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 32287). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%204%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) properly affirmed an examiner's refusal to register the "XCEED" trademark pursuant to Section 2(d) of the Lanham Act, the Federal Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled March 6 (In re: Viterra Inc., No. 11-1354, Fed. Cir.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%205%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank DETROIT - Allegations of federal unfair competition were dismissed March 6 by a Michigan federal judge as duplicative of a trade dress infringement claim, which itself was dismissed on grounds that the claimed trade dress seeks protection for functional features (Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. and Mertik Maxitrol Inc. v. Honeywell Technologies SARL, No. 10-12257, E.D. Mich.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 29264). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%206%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank MINNEAPOLIS - Because a plaintiff offered only conclusory statements that its trademark has come to be understood by customers and the public, the plaintiff failed to present sufficient facts that the mark has acquired secondary meaning, a Minnesota federal judge ruled Feb. 28 (Walsh Bishop Associates Inc. v. Keith O'Brien, Ian Scott, David Serrano and WBA Partners Inc., No. 11-2673, D. Minn.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 25219). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%207%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Finding that a copyright and trademark infringement defendant's "total absence of contacts" with the State of Iowa is "the antithesis of the type of continuous and systematic contacts necessary," an Iowa federal judge on Feb. 24 dismissed the case (Fraserside IP LLC v. Roland Waterweg, No. 11-3043, N.D. Iowa.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 23740). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%208%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW YORK - Allegations of trademark infringement by the Times Square performer known as "Naked Cowboy" - based on a brief appearance on a daytime television show of a guitar-playing, underwear-clad cowboy - were rejected Feb. 23 by a New York federal judge (Naked Cowboy and Naked Cowboy Enterprises v. CBS and Bell-Phillip Television, No. 11-942, S.D. N.Y.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%209%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank NEW ORLEANS - A certain category of products bearing the Ford trademark sold by a commercial printer to independent used car dealers is not likely to cause consumer confusion, the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Feb. 16 in a partial reversal of a Texas federal court (National Business Forms & Printing Inc. v. Ford Motor Company, No. 10-20023, 5th Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 3059). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2010%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank MIAMI - The display of boat motors bearing the "Suzuki" trademark - but not manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC) - was enjoined Feb. 17 by a Florida federal judge, who granted a temporary restraining order (Suzuki Motor Corporation v. Jiujiang Hison Motor Boat Manufacturing Co., No. 12-20626, S.D. Fla.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20366). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2011%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank RICHMOND, Va. - A North Carolina federal judge erred in finding that a trademark infringement defendant established the affirmative defense of laches as a matter of law, the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled March 8 (Ray Communications Inc. v. Clear Channel Communications Inc., et al., No. 11-1050, 4th Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 4862). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2012%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank MINNEAPOLIS - A cease-and-desist letter sent to a third-party e-tailer cannot form the basis of a tortious interference with contract counterclaim, a Minnesota federal judge held March 2 in a trademark infringement case (Select Comfort Corp. v. The Sleep Better Store LLC, No. 11-621, D. Minn.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27814). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2013%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SAN FRANCISCO - An Arizona federal judge did not err in barring a trademark infringement defendant from using the "Skyride" trademark in Arizona but did err in enhancing a jury's actual damages award from $3.5 million to $7 million, the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled March 12 (Skydive Arizona v. Cary Quattrocchi, et al., No. 10-16099, 9th Cir.; 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 5100). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2014%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A decision by apparel retailer Urban Outfitters Inc. to brand certain items of clothing with the Navajo name has drawn the ire of the Navajo Nation, which filed suit Feb. 28 in New Mexico federal court, asserting trademark infringement (Navajo Nation v. Urban Outfitters Inc., No. 12-195, D. N.M.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2015%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank LAS VEGAS - A maker of karaoke accompaniment tracks sued dozens of bars and restaurants in Nevada federal court on Feb. 15, alleging trademark infringement (Slep-Tone Entertainment Corp. v. Ellis Island Casino and Brewery, et al., No. 12-239, D. Nev.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2016%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank SANTA ANA, Calif. - A California federal judge on Feb. 24 ordered one of MGA Entertainment Inc.'s insurers to reimburse three of its other insurers $8.5 million stemming from the defense of an underlying Bratz dolls trademark lawsuit (MGA Entertainment, et al. v. Hartford Insurance Group, No. 08-0457, C.D. Calif.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 23998.; See 8/15/11, Page 34). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2017%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank VALDOSTA, Ga. - An insurer has no duty to defend or indemnify its insureds against an underlying lawsuit containing allegations of trademark infringement, cyberpiracy and unfair deceptive trade practices, a Georgia federal judge ruled March 1, granting the insurer's motion for summary judgment (State Farm Fire and Casualty Company v. Lloyd J. Leblanc Jr., et al., No. 7:09-CV-76 [HL], M.D. Ga.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 26906). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2018%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Remark LLC v. Adell Broadcasting Corporation, d/b/a WADL-TV, Nos. 11-2349, 11-2442, 6th Cir. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2019%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products, LP, v. von Drehle Corporation and Myers Supply, Inc., No. 11-2139, 4th Cir. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2020%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta v. The Florida Priory of Knights Hospitallers of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, The Ecumenical Order, No. 11-15101, 11th Cir. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=13-7%20Mealey%27s%20Litig.%20Rep.%20Trademarks%2021%20(2012)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target=_blank Case: Slep-Tone Entertainment Corporation v. Karaoke Kandy Store, Inc., and Charles M. Polidori, No. 11-4258, 6th Cir.