On Monday, October 7, 2013, the United States Supreme Court issued orders denying Paddle Tramps Manufacturing Co.'s petition for writ of certiorari. As a result, the injunction, issued by the Northern District of Texas and affirmed by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, continues to stand. The injunction prevents Paddle Tramps from utilizing various Greek organizations' trademarks in certain forms of marketing, sales and advertising.

The case between Paddle Tramps and 32 Greek organizations lasted for seven years and at considerable expense to all parties involved. At the end, the Greek organizations achieved a legal victory affirming that their trademarks were strong and distinct and that their licensing program was valid. In the process, Paddle Tramps was found guilty of trademark infringement, unfair competition, dilution (under Texas law) and, accordingly, is prevented from commercial use (including advertising) of various Greek names, nicknames, crests, Greek letter combinations and other symbols. The notable exception is that the court allowed Paddle Tramps to continue marketing authentically licensed decals purchased by Angelus Pacific on double raised wooden backings.

While the Greek organizations had every intention of avoiding the long and protracted legal battle, they were principally aligned that all trademark infringement must be addressed and that their trademark rights deserved a vigorous defense.

The Greek organizations and honorary societies represented by Affinity Consultants collectively license more than 1,000 vendors, with more than 16,000 license agreements between them.

For more information please contact Dan Shaver, 760-734-6764 ext. 130.

Affinity Consultants
www.affinity-consultants.com
www.greeklicensing.com
phone: 760-734-6764
fax: 707-202-0532