BENTON — A national farmers organization is suing a De Soto business, alleging trademark dilution.
National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry filed a complaint Oct. 26 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Michael and Ingrid Thomas, doing business as Hadleigh Grange, alleging violation of the Lanham Act and the Illinois Deceptive Trade Practices.
According to the complaint, through the plaintiff's long and continuous use of the Grange trademarks for 150 years, it is has become famous and well known. As a result of defendants unlawful conduct, the suit says, the plaintiff's reputation, and good will has been harmed and damaged.
The plaintiff alleges Hadleigh Grange has used and continues to operate a farm that sells homemade goods and animals products under the name Hadleigh Grange without plaintiff's permission.
National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry seeks trial by jury, a permanent injunction enjoining the defendants from representing that they are associated with or connected in any way with the plaintiff, all damages, attorney fees, court costs and all further appropriate relief. It is represented by attorneys Richard B. Biagi of Neal & McDevitt LLC in Northfield, and by James L. Bikoff, Holly B. Lance and Darlene K. Tzou of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP in Washington.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois Case number 3:18-cv-02027-SMY-RJD