Maryland Live! Threatens a Lawsuit Against the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club
Recently, the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club in Bethesda, Maryland announced that its name “Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club” did not properly describe the live music venue because the Bethesda Club hosts music acts that perform more than just “Blues & Jazz.” Thus, the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club wants to change its name to “Bethesda Live.” However, the Club has been contacted by The Cordish Companies — the owner of the Maryland Live! casino — who has threatened to sue the Bethesda Club if it decides to change its name to “Bethesda Live.”
Specifically, Maryland Live! is alleging that the proposed new Bethesda Club name — “Bethesda Live” — would directly infringe on The Cordish Companies’ “Live!” trademark. The Cordish Companies has used the “Live!” trademark for a number of its nation-wide venues, including “Power Plant Live!”, “Indiana Live!”, and “Xfinity Live!”. The Cordish Companies’ claim that threatens a lawsuit asserts that the proposed new name for the Bethesda Club — “Bethesda Live” — would lead to public confusion that the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club is affiliated with The Cordish Companies and its “Live!” properties, including its Maryland Live! casino.
In response, The Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club is taking the position that The Cordish Companies cannot claim a trademark on such a generic term — here “Live” — because “Live” is already used in other entertainment forums. One popular example used by the Bethesda Club is: the TV show “Saturday Night Live.”
The business dispute attorneys at Longman & Van Grack have specifically addressed many different business legal disputes and lawsuits. No matter your business’s size, no matter your business’s situation, no matter your preferred method of resolution, contact Longman & Van Grack today if you are a searching for a resolution to your business dispute that is as quick, cost-effective, fair, and final. Call (301) 291-5027 to speak with one of our experienced business litigation attorneys at our Bethesda, Maryland; Rockville, Maryland; Washington, DC; or Virginia offices.
