In an ongoing dispute within the Libertarian Party, a group contending to be the official Libertarian Party of Michigan has taken their case to the Sixth Circuit. This faction is arguing against another group that currently has the endorsement of the Libertarian National Committee. The Michigan group is seeking a clear legal definition to exclude political activities from trademark infringement law’s purview.
The Libertarian Party of Michigan believes that an existing ban prohibiting them from using the national organization’s name and logo must be lifted. To this end, the group has urged the Sixth Circuit to articulate a clear distinction that would bi-furcate political activities from claims of trademark infringement. This move, the faction argues, would suffice to let them operate under the Libertarian banner without any hindrance.
As the case unfolds, it’s consequences may have broader implications on the intersection of politics and trademark law, and may pave the way for future intra-party disputes across the country.
For a more detailed coverage of this developing legal battlefield, visit Law360.