Monster Energy files TM opposition at TTAB

Energy drink company Monster Energy has filed a trademark opposition against a US business at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

Monster  filed its opposition against Fidlansky Trading on Tuesday, March 7, focusing on a trademark filed by Fidlansky in June last year for the term ‘Greg Michaels M’.

Fidlansky’s mark, which covers footwear goods, was published for opposition in November last year.

Monster claimed it has used its ‘M’, ‘M Monster Energy’ and ‘M Export’ trademarks since 2002 and that Fidlansky’s mark would cause confusion.

The marks owned by Monster cover goods such as stickers, clothing accessories, helmets, wristbands and sporting equipment.

According to the suit, Monster’s ‘M’ mark has appeared on “billions of products and in extensive nationwide promotions”.

The energy drink company has also entered into licence agreements with “several clothing manufacturers” to sell products that bear the ‘M’ trademark.

Monster added that it promotes the ‘M’ mark through the sponsorship of athletes, music festivals and sports events which are televised nationally and internationally.

“Opposer will be damaged by registration of the application in that the ‘Greg Michaels M’ mark so resembles opposer’s ‘M’ mark,” said the opposition.

Monster asked the TTAB to reject the mark.

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