The c-store behemoth wants a judge to prevent the use of the 7-SEVEN name; the numbers 7 and 11 or color combinations of red, green, orange and white as part of convenience store logos.
Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc. has reportedly filed two federal lawsuits against 7-SEVEN stores in Bibb County, Texas, claiming trademark infringement, The Telegraph reported.
7-Eleven alleges the 7-SEVEN stores chose their logo to “trade upon the fame and goodwill” of 7-Eleven, according to the lawsuits, filed March 11 in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, The Telegraph reported.
7-Eleven is seeking the removal and destruction of the 7-SEVEN stores’ labels, signs and any other items that carry the infringed logo. It is also asking that a judge prevent the further use of the 7-SEVEN name; the numbers 7 and 11 or color combinations of red, green, orange and white as part of convenience store logos.
The company is also seeking compensation for damages it suffered because of trademark infringement, unfair competition and trademark dilution, and three times all profits they allege the 7-SEVEN stores wrongfully earned.
Krunal Patel, who owns some 7-SEVEN stores, defended the 7-SEVEN logo. “Anybody can tell” the difference between the 7-Eleven and 7-SEVEN logos, he told The Telegraph, although he admitted the two are similar, “It’s not the same,” he said.
Stores listed in the court documents include those located at 3609 Pio Nono Ave., 1904 Shurling Drive, 2760 Montpelier Ave., 3590 Napier Ave., and 1290 Gray Highway.
7-Eleven, with more than 7,000 stores, has used its trademark at convenience stores since 1946 and offered gasoline using the trademark since 1967.