Global Truss America LLC Files Trademark Infringement Suit Against German Light Products

Global Truss America LLC has filed suit against GLP German Light Products, a Delaware corporation, and Mark Ravenhill, president of GLP, alleging trademark infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair business practices and other violations of the Lanham Act. Global Truss America LLC, which has been continuously and exclusively using the federally registered Global Truss name and trademarks since 2003 to establish a leading brand of trussing and staging products in the Americas, has accused German Light Products of falsely stating that it is "an authorized distributor of Global Truss products in the United States and falsely stating that George Lee is the CEO of Global Truss" and wrongfully "implying that Global Truss is the source of the products that GLP is advertising, distributing, offering for sale and/or selling."

In the suit, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on January 6, 2011, Global Truss America LLC states that its established and federally registered trademarks identify "Global Truss staging and truss products only and distinguishes them from goods sold by others." The suit further goes on to state that the "Global Truss trademarks have thus become synonymous with Global Truss America and are valuable assets symbolizing Global Truss America, its quality staging products and its goodwill."

Global Truss America LLC is seeking monetary damages and attorney fees in its suit, as well as injunctive relief to restrain the defendants, and anyone with whom they work to import and distribute their products, from using the "Global Truss" name and trademarks. The suit is also asking that all products bearing what they see as the specious "Global Truss" mark, imported and advertised by German Light Products, be destroyed. "Global Truss is always open to competition," said Sherman, "but when a competitor deliberately attempts to create confusion and makes false statements about representing our client's brand, we have no choice but to act aggressively to protect our client's brand and the public interest."