Winston & Strawn LLP: RE/MAX International Wins Trademark Infringement Suit

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October 2009

SPECIAL ALERT

RE/MAX International Wins Trademark Infringement Suit

RE/MAX International, Inc. brought a trademark infringement suit against Trend Setter Realty, LLC, (“Trend Setter”) for use of “red-over-white-over-blue horizontal bar design” in connection with real estate services. An example of the RE/MAX trademark is on the left, and Trend Setter’s use on the right:

In September 2009, RE/MAX moved for partial summary judgment on its federal and state trademark infringement and unfair competition claims. RE/MAX also sought cancellation of Trend Setter’s registered trademark, because it causes confusion with RE/MAX’s registered trademarks. The court found in favor of RE/MAX, granting RE/MAX’s claim for cancellation of Trend Setter’s trademark registration. Specifically, the court noted that the “use of the red, white, and blue signs in advertising is likely to confuse ordinary consumers,” that both companies advertise similar services using similar advertising means, and survey evidence showed that consumers believed that Trend Setter’s signs promoted RE/MAX. In October 2009, the court enjoined Trend Setter from using, manufacturing, advertising, and distributing the “red-over-white-over-blue” horizontal bar design or confusingly similar designs in connection with real estate services.

TIP: Be aware that trademark infringement may occur not just with respect to names and logos, but for design features as well.

If you have any questions concerning this Advertising & Promotion Law News Special Alert, please contact one of the following attorneys:

Chicago		Los Angeles		Paris
Monique N. Bhargava	312-558-3732	David L. Aronoff	213-615-1866	Nathalie Hadjadj-Cazier	33 (0) 1 53 64 81 50
Stephen P. Durchslag	312-558-5288	Steven D. Atlee	213-615-1827
Brian D. Fergemann	312-558-8024			San Francisco
Jason W. Gordon	312-558-6145	New York		David S. Bloch	415-591-1452
Brian L. Heidelberger	312-558-5897	Michael S. Elkin	212-294-6745	Andrew P. Bridges	415-591-1482
Robert H. Newman	312-558-8125	Thomas P. Lane	212-294-6869	Kimberly A. Eckhart	415-591-6805
Mary Hutchings Reed	312-558-5721	Michael J. Friedman	212-294-2608	Jennifer A. Golinveaux	415-591-1506
Ronald Y. Rothstein	312-558-7464	Joe DiBenedetto	212-294-6709
Liisa M. Thomas	312-558-6149	H. Joseph Mello	212-294-6736	Washington, D.C.
Marc H. Trachtenberg	312-558-7964	Virginia R. Richard	212-294-4639	Michael L. Sibarium	202-282-5702

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