Originally Posted by
StanSeven
There's a lot of bad information going around about trademarks and intellectual property in general. One thing that's being missed is trademark owners bust take immediate steps to protect their IP or risk losing it. Regardless of what people think about Specialized, they are almost obligated to take the steps they did or if they let it go, the next person infringing on their trademark may be able to get away.
Also this small business owner should do a better job with his homework. You don't start a new business, name it after a well known brand, and not expect anything more to come of it?
+1
You have to do your due diligence.
"Richter, who says the running the bike shop has helped him deal with the post-traumatic stress disorder that ended his military career, says he did some research and felt comfortable that naming his store after a location like Roubaix wouldn’t contradict Canada’s intellectual property protection laws. He doesn’t think the name confuses anybody shopping for bikes. His store sells high-end bikes and his handmade wheels in an Italian-cycling inspired environment. He does not sell Specialized products."
He clearly researched and knew that there was a trademark. He should have consulted an attorney instead of using his gut.