MIAMI — A rehabilitation center has filed suit against another rehabilitation center, claiming alleged trademark infringement for the use of its Watershed name.
The Watershed Treatment Programs Inc. filed a complaint on Aug. 12 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Center for Human Development Inc., alleging that the Massachusetts corporation capitalized on the plaintiff's reputation and goodwill.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff claims to provide drug and alcohol rehabilitation services and owns the registered watershed trademark. The defendant, who allegedly also offers drug and alcohol treatments through its Watershed Recovery Center for Women, purportedly refers to itself as "Watershed" on its website and email contact. The plaintiff claims the use of the infringing mark by the defendant was not authorized and has caused actual confusion. The plaintiff holds Center for Human Development Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly used the plaintiff's mark to falsely indicate a connection or relation and infringed upon the trademark with full knowledge of the plaintiff's rights.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendant, damages, costs, interest, attorneys’ fees and other relief as the court deems appropriate. It is represented by Harvey S. Kauget and John A. Schifino of Burr & Forman LLP in Tampa.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida case number 9:16-cv-81418