On The Donald, Businessfolk, and Lawyers

[ShottleBop]

You know how some of us feel about the fact that The Donald even lasted past Iowa as a serious candidate to become the Presidential nominee of one of only two major American political parties? How the fact that he's actually the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party makes us want to wear paper bags in public if there's any chance someone from another country might recognize us in a video clip or photo as an American? Well, that's how stories like this make me feel, as an attorney:

"Citigroup Sues AT&T For Saying ‘Thanks’ To Customers."

[ShottleBop]

Here's a link to Citibank's complaint, as filed. Excerpt:

. . .

3. Despite actual knowledge of Citigroup’s substantial use of and exclusive rights in the THANKYOU Marks, Citigroup’s use of the marks in connection with AT&T co-branded credit cards, and Citigroup’s concerns regarding AT&T’s proposed trademarks, AT&T launched a customer loyalty program under the trademarks “thanks” and “AT&T thanks” on or about June 2, 2016.

4. AT&T’s use of the “thanks” and “AT&T thanks” trademarks is likely to cause consumer confusion and constitutes trademark infringement, false designation of origin, and unfair competition in violation of Citigroup’s rights.

5. Citigroup therefore seeks to enjoin AT&T’s infringing conduct and to recover damages based on the injury AT&T’s conduct has caused to Citigroup as well as AT&T’s unjust enrichment.

[Stephen Maturin]

show spoiler

That brings back memories of Fox's trademark infringement suit against Al Franken over use of "fair and balanced" in a book title, except that ...

AT&T launched a customer loyalty program under the trademarks “thanks” and “AT&T thanks” on or about June 2, 2016. (Complaint ¶ 3 [emphasis added].)

... EVERYONE is a shithead in this case. I am shocked and dismayed to find that there are no good guys in a case captioned Citigroup Inc. v. AT&T Inc.

[Ari]

Good thing no one links to us, we could be next!

[BrotherMan]

[JoeP]

Waaait ... why don't we get one of these decent, well-off companies to sponsor our thanks feature?