he parent company of local cash advance giant Advance Financial is suing a small Murfreesboro competitor for trademark infringement, saying the use of a red and yellow circular logo and red trim may cause confusion. Harpeth Financial Services, the legal name of Advance Financial, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for Middle Tennessee May 16, alleging that A-1 Cash and Broadway Loans, Murfreesboro consumer financial services businesses both owned by The Lakeland Group, are using signage too similar to the well-established red and yellow used by Advance since a 2010 rebranding. Both stores, according to the suit, use circular signs similar to the window dressing used by Advance, as well as red trim on the buildings. A-1 is accused of using a logo too similar to the one trademarked by Advance. Advance is claiming unfair competition, false designation of origin, trade-dress infringement, trademark infringement, unfair competition and consumer protection violations. The company is seeking an injunction and monetary awards to include profits from Lakeland resulting from the use of the trademarks. Advance is represented by Rick Sanders of Aaron & Sanders. Original Source: Nashville Post
Share this entry