MIAMI – The University of Miami has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against a clothing manufacturer, alleging that the defendant's use of the "CANEUP" logo on clothing products is similar to the university's "CANES."
The University of Miami filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Caneup, LLC, citing allegations of copyright infringement.
According to court documents, the University of Miami alleges that Caneup intentionally adopted a mark, "CANEUP" that is similar to the University's established CANES and U design marks in order to sell its clothing products, and that it did so with full knowledge of the University's trademark rights. The University claims that it has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Caneup, but has received no response.
The University alleges that Caneup's use of the confusingly similar mark is causing consumer confusion and diluting the distinctiveness of the University's established marks.
According to the lawsuit, the defendant's actions constitute infringement of federally registered service marks, federal unfair competition and false designation of origin, federal trademark dilution and Florida common law trademark infringement.
The University has demanded a jury trial to seek damages plus attorneys' fees, court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. Additionally, The University has requested preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prohibit the defendant from further illegal conduct. The University is represented in this case by attorney Eric D. Isico of Isocoff Ragatz in Miami.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida case number 1:23-CV-23829