A dispute between the Tournament of Roses Association and the city of Pasadena, California, as to the use of the trade marks ‘Rose Bowl’ and ‘Rose Bowl Game’ has now been passed to the federal court for determination of ownership.
The non-profit American football tournament association claimed to possess full ownership of the name, but was met with objection from the city of Pasadena, alleging to also have right to some ownership of the name.
CEO of the Tournament of Roses, David Eads, responded to claims from the city stating that the disputed trade marks ‘indisputably’ belonged to the association, arguing that although the company has ’deep roots’ in Pasadena, the city’s attempt to obtain co-ownership was harmful to their ability to conduct routine business activities, and required them to act and sue the city to obtain court confirmation of their rights.
Tensions rose between the entities in question following the tournaments ‘rose bowl game’ being moved to Texas last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A spokeswoman for Pasadena said city officials would not be able to comment yet.
If you have any questions regarding trade marks and trade mark disputes please do not hesitate to contact the Trademarkroom team today.
-Ellie King, student from Southampton Solent University
