Better link to story:
http://www.kathrynsreport.com/2019/11/e ... inc-v.html--
In all my picture searching online - I can't see anything that uses EAA logos as claimed in the suit. At best I see the term "Beer Venture" - which I see as a fun riff on "Air Venture".
I also see that the US TradeMark Office has allowed:
"Airventure" - Goods and Services Inflatable Toys to - BCI Burke Company, LLC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY WISCONSIN 660 Van Dyne Road, PO Box 549 Fond du Lac WISCONSIN 54936
"Beerventurous" as a "Goods and Services" Mark for Wine and Beer sales to - Carlos Creek Winery, Inc. CORPORATION MINNESOTA 6693 Country Road 34 NW Alexandria MINNESOTA 56308
"Airventure" G & S: clothing, namely, caps, polo shirts, T-shirts, jackets and sweat shirts. FIRST USE: 19970700. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19970700
IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S: producing, staging and conducting air shows and aeronautical exhibitions, competitions and educational services, namely, conducting seminars in the field of aircraft history, aircraft design, aircraft construction techniques and aircraft safety - To the EAA. Says NOTHING ABOUT BEER OR FOOD
"Airventure" - G & S: pre-recorded CD's [ videotapes, laser disks ] and DVD's featuring air shows, aeronautical exhibitions, aeronautical competitions or aircraft seminars - To the EAA
"EAA Airventure" - Whadda yah know? The Trademark office consider this form of words and the logo that comes with it - DEAD. No longer valid.
Been involved in some trademark stuff myself - interesting to see that the suit is asking for a Jury Trial. Because it is then up to the jury to determine if the public are confused by the use of the term. I think the public will not be. After all we all know the event is really called "OshKosh" - right? :-)
If they didn't SPECIFICALLY trademark the term "AirVenture" to include the sale of beer - it will be tough to get a win. I think I can clearly tell the difference between beer and a plane. I think their attorneys might have misled them to enrich themselves.
Now if the SOS Brothers are actually using the EAA LOGOS - that's a different matter - but I can't find a jot of evidence online that they are.
Get over it EAA. Sorely disappointed to see EAA go down this route.