In a contentious trademark dispute heard in a Chicago federal court, a judge expressed frustration with the defense tactics employed by an event promoter accused of trademark infringement. The litigation centers around the use of the term “tribe” in association with Black community initiatives.
Triibe Inc., an organization committed to uplifting the Black community, has accused One Tribe LLC, which operates entertainment venues in Chicago, of infringing on its federally registered trademark. One Tribe’s defense hinged on the argument that “tribe” is a generic term and that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) made an error in registering the mark. The defense further asserted that social movements such as Black Lives Matter do not qualify for trademark protection.
The presiding judge criticized these defense claims, suggesting they were meritless and dismissive of the federal trademark granted to Triibe Inc. This case highlights the ongoing controversies surrounding trademark registration and protection in the context of social movements and community initiatives.
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