FORT MYERS – A lawsuit has been filed against two Florida companies accusing them of trademark infringement.
Salt Life LLC filed a lawsuit in federal court against two Florida companies, Salt Life Mortgage and Salt Life Business Lending, and owner and operator Gidget Jackson, citing allegations of trademark infringement and dilution.
According to court documents, the plaintiff owns registered trademarks such as "Salt Life" and "Live the Salt Life."
The plaintiff contends the defendants have knowingly used designations such as "Salt Life Mortgage" and "Salt Life Business Lending," infringing on their registered trademarks. The plaintiff say Jackson, as the person controlling the defendants' businesses, is the driving force behind the alleged trademark infringement. The lawsuit details outline intentional marketing efforts in Florida through websites and social media, resulting in the sale of products and services with the contested designations.
The complaint claims the defendants' use of similar designations could potentially cause consumer confusion and damage the plaintiff's consumer goodwill and reputation.
The complaint also highlights the defendants' attempt to register "Salt Life Mortgage" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which was opposed and denied, yet the defendants purportedly persist in using the contested designations.
The lawsuit cites various causes of action, including federal and common law trademark infringement, false designation of origin and dilution.
The plaintiff is seeking an injunction against the defendants, prohibiting their further use of the contested designations and ordering them to submit a report detailing how they complied with the injunction. Additionally, it seeks damages plus interest, court costs, attorney fees and other relief.
The plaintiff is represented by James Matulis of Matulis IP Law in Tampa.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida Fort Myers Division case number 2:23-cv-00998