LOGO INFRINGERS(Starwood Hotels Suing Bush campaign over 'W' logo)

NY Post ^ | 8/2/03

[calenel]

There's no way this will succeed.

I agree. For Starwood Hotels to have an argument the symbols would have to be similar and pertain to the same broad class of product. The closer the symbols in appearance, the broader the classification of product considered, and vice versa. Furthermore, the whole of the symbol would be considered rather than its component parts (as Gorzaloon said, the font style matters, not just the use of the letter W). "W" in and of itself is not distinctive enough to be a trademark.

[Victoria Delsoul]

LOL, what can I say... Go W go!

[Diddley]

I believe you are absolutely right. One is a sans-serif typeface. Further, they are used in different products and markets,
so no brand confusion can result.
.....

They need to get slapped for abuse of process and vexatious litigation.

Exactly right on both points

[anonymous_user]

Both designs are craptacular, but at least the Hotel logo was original.

[BJungNan]

If integrity matters, there is a heck of a lot more of it in the W in Texas than the W in New York. I bought one of those pricey Starwood Resort cards and none of their properties would honor it - and yes, it was the real deal. Bought from a friend that manages a Starwood property.

[ConservativeMan55]

bttt

[new cruelty]

This reminded me of Despair suing millions for trademark infringement for the use of :-(

DESPAIR, INC. SECURES OFFICIAL TRADEMARK
REGISTRATION FOR ":-(", ANNOUNCES PLANS TO SUE
MILLIONS FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Media Relations
Email: media@despair.com
Web: www.despair.com
Fax: 214.826.1952

DALLAS, TX - January 2nd, 2001 - In a move that has millions across the Internet community frowning, Despair, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) had awarded them a registered trademark for the 'frowny' emoticon which serves as their logo.

At a press conference, Despair's COO, Dr. E.L. Kersten, announced his intentions to sue "anyone and everyone who uses the so-called 'frowny' emoticon, or our trademarked logo, in their written email correspondence. Ever."

full article begins here:
http://www.despair.com/frownonthis.html

[Dog Gone]

Besides, they should beware of alienating all the Dubya supporters.

I've never heard of them, but I'll sleep on the sidewalk before I ever patronize them.

[finnman69]

bump

[pointsal]

S= Westin Hotel

[Critter]

or single common words or common phrases.

[jojodamofo]

Depends on how common the phrase is. "Fair and balanced" was worthy of protection. Franken should have been slammed, IMO.

These libs trying to undermine the President and copyright the "W" need to be tossed out of court though.

[So Cal Rocket]

[RansomOttawa]

If similarity of trademark is the issue then it looks to me like they should be going after W Network's W:

vs.