Gordon & Rees partner Richard Sybert won a major victory for his client New Majority California in a trademark dispute between political groups in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria.
New Majority California sued Virginia New Majority for trademark infringement and trademark dilution. The client was particularly concerned about the risk of confusion given its heavy involvement in national politics in the Washington, D.C., metro area, which includes the Northern Virginia suburbs. This concern was heightened by the diametrically opposed policies of the two groups.
Sybert associated in just weeks before trial to try the case. Two days before trial, Virginia New Majority agreed to a settlement that includes changing its name.
Gordon & Rees handled this matter on a pro bono basis.