Saw this January 15, 2007 Natick Bulletin & Tab article about how some Natik town folk are concerned about General Growth Properties application to register the N NATICK (and design) mark for its Natick Mall property. The applied for Goods and Services include: Advertising services, namely, promoting the goods and services of others by disseminating advertising and promotional material in Class 35; Real estate leasing services for commercial and residential communities in Class 36; and Real estate property development services in Class 37.
According to the article:
Natick officials and some residents have become increasingly uneasy with the mall's efforts to market itself simply as "Natick" instead of as the Natick Mall. They say the trademark protection would link the name "Natick" more closely with the mall, instead of the community.
"I don't want to use the term `identity theft,' but it's not Natick," said Selectman John Connolly. "It's a mall."
Natick officials were even considering opposing the registration. Apparently, the uproar got to GGP as it filed for an express abandonment on January 18. Probably a wise move given that the application was an intent to use application. No need to alienate your customers over a mark you haven't yet used.
Technorati Tags: trademark, abandonment, PR, opposition, Natick, General Growth Properties
