Finnegan protects Subaru’s mark “Crosstrek”

Shortly after Subaru launched its newest vehicle named the “Crosstrek,” Trek Bicycle filed suit for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and unfair competition of its “Trek” and numerous “Trek-formative” trademarks. Trek and Subaru had been long-standing partners in a professional mountain bike team. As such, in addition to its assertions of trademark infringement and dilution, Trek also alleged that Subaru’s “Crosstrek” name breached the existing sponsorship agreement. Trek moved for a preliminary injunction. Faced with the possibility of rebranding its new vehicle, Subaru turned to Finnegan. Finnegan put together a team that could handle expedited discovery (which was virtually case-comprehensive and involved extensive ESI document discovery and many fact and Rule 30(b)(6) depositions), working with experts to conduct likelihood of confusion and dilution surveys, calculate harm and damages, and study linguistic usage of the word “trek,” as well as obtaining and managing documents produced from dozens of third-party subpoenas. Finnegan uncovered facts leading to a counterclaim for genericness, abandonment, and fraud, as well important facts undermining the alleged strength of the Trek brand. Prior to the preliminary injunction hearing date, the case was favourably settled with Subaru’s ownership, use, and registration of its “Crosstrek” trademark unfettered and unchanged.