On March 16, 2012, The Federal Circuit sustained Bridgestone Corp.’s opposition to a trademark registration by Federal Corp. on the word Milanza for tires, ruling that it would likely cause confusion with Bridgestone’s Potenza and Turanza tire lines. The Federal Circuit concluded that, “In light of the identity of goods, the lengthy prior use of Potenza and Turanza, the market strength of the Potenza and Turanza marks, and the similarities of words, sounds, and connotation with Milanza, sufficient similarity has been shown as would be likely to cause consumer confusion.” Bridgestone was represented by Finnegan in this matter.
