Apparently you can trademark area codes?
It seems rather silly that one nonprofit would try to sue another over rights to a three-digit number, but that's what Discover Kalamazoo, the city's convention and visitors bureau organization, is planning to do to Southwest Michigan First, a local economic development organization. The mission of both groups is essentially the same - to promote development and economic strength in the region. 269 is the area code serving southwest Michigan.
Quote:
Discover Kalamazoo sues Southwest Michigan First over use of '269'
By Emily Monacelli, via MLive
April 05, 2017
KALAMAZOO, MI - Kalamazoo County's convention and visitors bureau has sued its economic development organization over the use of the region's 269 area code. Discover Kalamazoo filed a lawsuit Tuesday, April 4, in U.S. District Court alleging Southwest Michigan First has infringed on its trademark rights to 269.
The complaint says Discover Kalamazoo has used "269" to identify its services since 2010 and that Southwest Michigan First approached it about using the mark for a regional publication. Discover Kalamazoo was open to an agreement if its trademark rights were protected and it could be done in a way that would not confuse the public, but Southwest Michigan First "rejected and refused that simple, mutually beneficial request," states the lawsuit, filed by attorneys Dennis Levasseur of Detroit and the firm Hueschen & Sage PLLC of Kalamazoo.
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