Intellectual Property Law

Gas Station at Former Texaco Site Spurs Trademark Infringement Suit

By Michael Atkins

To paraphrase plaintiff: “It looks like a Texaco station.”

Defendants Misko Maynard and Grapeview Country Store, LLC, allegedly sell groceries and gas in what used to be a Texaco station.

Chevron U.S.A., Inc., owner of the TEXACO brand, filed suit in the Western District on Dec. 18 arguing that defendants’ association with its trademark is likely to confuse consumers and, therefore, constitutes trademark infringement and unfair competition.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with plaintiff’s claims. It’s just too bad the parties have had to go to federal court over a problem a can of paint would seem to solve.

The case cite is Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Maynard, No. 09-05779 (W.D. Wash.).

(Photo from plaintiff’s complaint.)

Full post as published by Seattle Trademark Lawyer on January 06, 2010 (boomark / email).