HomeVestors is a Texas company that sells franchises to investors who flip properties. They advertise using the slogan 201cWE BUY UGLY HOUSES, 201d and have numerous registered trademarks that utilize the phrase 201cUGLY HOUSES 201d or the like. HomeVestors has filed a large number of trademark suits across the country, and on Friday filed a pair of suits against Massachusetts-based businesses that buy, renovate and resell distressed homes, namely Mass Property Solutions and The Mandrell Company. The accusations are that these companies use the phrase 201cWe Buy Ugly Houses 201d or confusingly similar marks on their websites and social media posts in metatags or source code to direct traffic to their websites, all without a license. It appears that HomeVestors intends to deny non-franchisees the ability to use the words 201cugly houses 201d in any fashion, including as a descriptive term for a non-attractive property; the uses complained of include 201cDo you buy only 2018ugly houses 2019? 201d in a FAQ section or 201cAll Houses, Short Sales, Ugly Houses & All Cash 201d in source code. It will be interesting to see how far HomeVestors can push the scope of their trademarks, should any of these cases move forward. In the meanwhile, HomeVestors seeks actual and treble damages, injunctive relief, and a finding that the cases are exceptional and warrant an award of attorneys 2019 fees.
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Lando & Anastasi, LLP. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
SHARE THIS POST
