Report

Chrysler legal bid to halt 'Imported From Detroit' merchandise sales falls short

Automotive News is reporting that Chrysler has failed to stop a clothing manufacturer from selling "Imported from Detroit" apparel on the grounds of trademark infringement. U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow ruled in favor of Pure Detroit, saying that the automaker's request failed to show that the manufacturer would suffer any irreparable harm by the apparel company's actions. The judge also pointed out that Chrysler doesn't actually have a trademark on the "Imported from Detroit" slogan. After Chrysler aired its ad for the company's 200 during this year's Super Bowl, Pure Detroit began churning out T-shirts. The automaker sued Moda Group in March, and Pure Detroit counter sued in April.
The clothing maker's suit argued that Chrysler doesn't hold a trademark on the phrase in part because of the fact that the slogan is geographical and somewhat misleading, as Chrysler is actually based in Auburn Hills and the 200 is assembled in Sterling Heights. Apparently Judge Tarnow agrees with Pure Detroit's assessment.

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