Not just another doggone trademark infringement suit

Red Roof Inns, Inc. has sued the Red Woof Inn, a “doggie daycare, boarding and boutique” establishment in Rockwall, for allegedly infringing on the hotel chain’s trademarks. In its complaint in Red Roof Inns, Inc., et al. v. Red Woof Inn, et al., filed Oct. 23 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Dallas, the hotel chain alleges that the pet boarding business infringes on the chain’s registered trademarks, including its slanted roof design. The Red Woof Inn features a drawing in red of a slanted roof dog house, with a dog inside, on its Web site.   One of the defendants in the suit, Red Woof Inn employee and consultant Bryan Marrin, declines comment. As alleged in the complaint, the Red Woof Inn’s use of the Red Roof Inn’s registered trademarks and service marks “causes confusion, mistake, or deception in the minds of the public.”  On its Web site, the Red Woof Inn touts itself as an alternative to kennel boarding. Personally, I think it’s unlikely that anyone would get confused and try to check in at the Red Woof Inn, but you never know. 
-- Mary Alice Robbins