TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT ALLEGED BY SIX BLACK FRATERNITIES
The Louisiana Weekly reports that Converse, Inc. is being sued by six black fraternities and sororities who claim that the company infringed on their trademark rights.
The fraternities and sororities contend in their U.S. District Court lawsuit that Converse committed trademark infringement and unfair competition regarding their GREEKPAK basketball shoes. Converse began selling the shoes in 2003, which it has since discontinued to do.
Through a spokesperson, Converse contends that the Greek traditional colors and founding years are not trademarked.
The fraternities and sororities counter that the marks are recognized as belonging to their specific organizations and should be afforded protection even absent trademark registration.
The lawsuit is seeking an injunction against further use of the designs and unspecified monetary damages.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding trademarks, infringement, or other intellectual property matters, I suggest you contact a patent attorney to address these issues with the United States Patent & Trademark Office.