Foley Hoag Successful in its Trademark Infringement Suit

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Foley Hoag LLP today announced it has achieved a successful resolution in its trademark infringement lawsuit against Foley & Lardner LLP. The settlement agreement is effective immediately.

The key provisions of the settlement -- that Foley & Lardner agrees not to use a logo with the single word "Foley" that does not also have "Foley & Lardner" in close proximity and prominence; and Foley & Lardner agrees not to refer to itself as “Foley” in written or oral communications unless the word “Foley” is used in a context reasonably understood to be referring to Foley & Lardner -- will provide greater clarity to purchasers of legal services particularly within markets in which both firms operate.

“This is a victory for Foley Hoag and a vindication of our position,” said Robert S. Sanoff, Co-Managing Partner, Foley Hoag. “Foley Hoag is a storied brand of which we are justifiably proud, and we are committed to protecting its value as a strategic asset, especially as we continue various growth initiatives that extend our brand.”

Foley Hoag filed a civil action against Foley & Lardner in the United States District Court in Boston in October 2005, in response to Foley & Lardner’s use of the term “FOLEY” in advertising and marketing materials. Foley Hoag had registered its name as a service mark in 2002. A subsequent request by Foley & Lardner to register “FOLEY” as a service mark was denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2004, which cited likely confusion. Among other claims, Foley Hoag’s suit alleged violation of its rights under the Lanham Act and sought relief for trademark infringement.

About Foley Hoag

Foley Hoag provides comprehensive legal services to clients throughout the United States and around the world. We serve a wide range of governments in Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe, and many industries including biopharma, energy and utilities, financial services, manufacturing, and technology. With 250 lawyers located in Boston, Washington, D.C. and the Emerging Enterprise Center in Waltham, MA, we provide creative solutions and results-oriented advice in the areas of international dispute resolution; government strategies; bankruptcy, restructuring and workouts; corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and IPOs; labor and employment; litigation; environmental issues and land use; intellectual property; tax, trusts and estates; and white collar and business crimes. As a member of Lex Mundi, the global network of independent law firms, we ensure that our clients have access to high-quality legal advice regardless of how far their businesses take them. For more information, visit www.foleyhoag.com.