GTL Trademark Lawsuit by The Situation

Jersey Shore star Mike Sorrentino (aka The Situation) is making sure he stays on top.  Of his trademarks, that is.  Has sued, in the Florida Southern District Court, a newcomer who wants to use Sorrentino’s “GTL” brand to market lifestyle products reminiscent of Jersey Shore style and fashion.  MyGTLFuel.com is aimed toward viewers and fans of Jersey Shore, selling Energy Shots, Tanning Lotion and the like.  So does the owner, Dana Valentino, actually have any trademark rights that are superior to The Situation?  Or is he simply trying to cash in on the ‘Guido’ trend?  GTL Fuel, LLC which we believe is owned by Valentino, actually obtained a federal trademark registration for "GTF Fuel" claiming a first use of January 14, 2011. On the other hand The Situation has been diligent and has filed several trademarks, many of them including the term "GTL".  According to the complaint, The Situation's company, MPS Entertainments, Inc. claims its first use of GTL dates back to 2009 in connection with a variety of goods.  Also according to the Complaint the Situation alleges that a representative of Valentino approached the Situation for a license deal which did not materialize.  Due to the huge popularity of Jersey Shore, it’s not a bad business idea lately, but without any trademark protection Valentino’s site could be very short lived.  So will The Situation be able to prove his superior use?  We will see.  FYI, if you were wondering, according to The Situation's camp, GTL stands for "Gym, Tan, Laundry" whereas, Valentino's website says its stands for "Get The Lifestyle."

Octomom in Trademark Dispute!

"Octomom" Nadya Suleman has filed a trademark application with the USPTO for the term "Octomom" in connection the goods and service of a reality television show and also disposable diapers. (See U.S. Serial Nos 77/711852 and 77/711827). But not everyone is happy about it. It turns out a Texas company not affiliated with Suleman has already filed a federal application for Octomom in connection with an iPhone game. "You press on her belly and she has babies," says CEO Mark Pierce of Super Happy Fun Fun, Inc. SHFF was able to file its "intent to use" trademark application on March 12, 2009, Suleman filed her intent to use application after on April 10, 2009, so Suleman may have been beaten to the punch. However, Suleman's attorney will most likely have to argue that the goods and services are different enough to avoid a rejection. As of today, the USPTO has not issued an office action (rejection) yet of Suleman's trademark application. Stay tuned!