Yes, you read that headline correctly…
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo filed a lawsuit last week against the Pittsburgh Zoo over an event name.
The Cleveland zoo is accusing the Pittsburgh Zoo of trademark infringement for using the name “Asian Lantern Festival.”
Documents show the lawsuit was filed July 2 in federal court. The filing calls for action on “trademark infringement, unfair competition and false designation of origin.”
The lawsuit asks that the Pittsburgh Zoo cease use of the name, pay damages and legal fees, and issue corrective advertising.
The Pittsburgh Zoo did not ask permission to use the name for their light show, Cleveland Metroparks said in the lawsuit. The Pittsburgh Zoo’s “Asian Lantern Festival” is scheduled to happen later this summer.
Documents claim the Cleveland Metroparks originated and trademarked the name “Asian Lantern Festival” in 2018. When the Cleveland zoo trademarked the name, it was not in use elsewhere, according to the documents.
The lawsuit alleges that Pittsburgh Zoo staff visited Cleveland’s Asian Lantern Festival in 2020 before deciding to host a similar show. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s event is presented by Tianyu, the same organization providing a light display for the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Cleveland Metroparks learned of the Pittsburgh Zoo’s event on June 22, the lawsuit said. Just days later, officials emailed the Pittsburgh Zoo about their trademark and asked them to rebrand.
Source: https://www.cleveland19.com/2021/07/09/cleveland-metroparks-zoo-sues-pittsburgh-zoo-over-name-asian-lantern-festival/
