by Traverse Legal, reviewed by Enrico Schaefer - August 6, 2008 - i. Trademark Infringement Lawsuits
Financial service provider H&R Block has filed suit against American Express for the use of its I GOT PEOPLE trademark. H&R Block contends that an American Express commercial featuring Beyonce Knowles and Ellen Degeneres infringed upon its I GOT PEOPLE trademark because it featured Ellen Degeneres searching for her own “people.” Beyonce Knowles asked Ellen to have her “people” contact Beyonce’s “people” so that Ellen could attend Beyonce’s concert. Ellen eventually finds that her “people” is American Express, and uses her Amex card to purchase tickets to Beyonce’s concert.
H&R Block has used its I GOT PEOPLE trademark mark in its tax service advertisements, which claim that consumers don’t have to worry about taxes because they have their own “people” in H&R Block. H&R Block’s ads have been broadcast and displayed on radio, television, billboards, and in print. The suit alleges that American Express is liable for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and unfair competition.
As a founding partner of Traverse Legal, PLC, he has more than thirty years of experience as an attorney for both established companies and emerging start-ups. His extensive experience includes navigating technology law matters and complex litigation throughout the United States.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Enrico Schaefer, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing Business, IP, and Technology Law litigation attorney.
