Arena Football One and Formula One begin settlement discussions over trademark dispute
WASHINGTON — Arena Football One and Formula One Racing (F1) are in active settlement discussions as the trademark dispute over the AF1 name continues.
On November 19, the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board granted F1’s motion to suspend its trademark opposition appeal against Arena Football One – claiming a likelihood of confusion and likelihood of dilution.
“The parties are actively engaged in negotiations for the settlement of this matter. Formula One Licensing BV
requests that this proceeding be suspended for 60 days to allow the parties to continue their settlement efforts,” the consent motion document stated.
On October 3, F1 filed the appeal which gave AF1 a deadline of Dec. 2 to respond, but with the suspension in place the proceeding is scheduled the resume on January 19 – or earlier if a settlement is reached.
In the initial filing, F1 also submitted past enforcement examples against companies that attempting to register the marks incorporating the “F1” wording. The companies included Stryker Corporation and Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation and others – all of which resulted in F1 prevailing
Attorneys for F1 have not yet to respond to our request for comment.
This continues to be a developing story and Arena Insider will provide updates as they becomes available.
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