Motorcycle rally sues gift shop over trademark infringement

The organizer of a motorcycle rally in South Dakota is suing a gift shop for trademark infringement, it has been reported.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has accused Rushmore Photo & Gifts, based in Rapid City, of profiting from the event by selling clothing printed with the word “Sturgis,” reports the Associated Press.

The rally has claimed that it owns the trademark to the terms “Sturgis” and “Black Hills” when they are used in relation to a motorcycle event or service.

However, there is some dispute over the details of the infringement.

Aaron Davis, an attorney for Rushmore Photo, told the Rapid City Journal that the gift shop should be allowed to use the “Sturgis” name.

“Anyone in the area knows that Sturgis is the name of a town in South Dakota where the longstanding Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is held,” Mr. Davis said.

In other news, it was recently reported that two sock manufacturers are due to meet in federal court next year in a wrangle over intellectual property rights.

GoldToeMoretz LLC has alleged that Columbia Sportswear Co. infringed on its 3 Chevrons trademark, Oregon Live reported.