New Trademark Infringement Case Filed in DRI --- Can Thrifty Stop the Use of a Blue Shuttlebus by a Competitor?

Thrifty, Inc. v. KDSB Rentals, Inc. d/b/a Payless Car Rental, No. 11-cv-235M (D.R.I. filed June 8, 2011).

A new trademark complaint was filed in the District of Rhode Island last week. In its Complaint, Thrifty Car Rental claims federal and state trademark rights in the color light blue (Pantone No. 300) for vehicle rental services and for its rental buildings. Thrifty claims that Payless is operating a light blue courtesy shuttle bus out of its Warwick rental location. Apparently, Thrifty has been trying since October to get Payless to repaint its shuttle bus, without success. Thrifty seeks injunctive relief and damages on counts of federal trademark infringement, federal dilution and federal and state law unfair competition. The case has been assigned to Judge McConnell.