
A controversial Canadian politics website, the Rebel Media, has filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Canada against a North American company, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) over the use of the slogan “Make Canada Great Again”.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges that HBC sells and promotes hats bearing the slogan “Make Canada Great Again” which infringes the media outlet’s trademark for the slogan.
The Rebel News Network registered the slogan as a Canadian trademark in March this year, in classes 16, 18, 21, 25, and 35 covering clothing items such as t-shirts and hats.
Rebel News Network claims that it has built popularity, goodwill and reputation in Canada through the use of the slogan which has been extensively used for goods and services including bumper stickers, lawn signs stationery and clothing items.
The plaintiff alleges that the infringement has caused lots of damages and confusion.
The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of CAD$50,000 (US$37,023).
The case is currently pending.
Case | The Rebel Media v. Hudson’s Bay Company |
Court | Federal Court of Canada |
Court File No | T-872-19 |
Date of Filing | May 24, 2019 |
Nature | Trademark Infringement |