Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Wins Lawsuit

A German court ruled in favor of the organization in a trademark infringement case.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is claiming victory after winning a trademark infringement lawsuit filed in Germany.

At issue was the use of the Hollywood sign as well as a mock version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the German-based Mensing department store and Schleifenbaum Design & Project.

The Mensing store, which is located in Dorsten, Germany, had erected its own Hollywood Walk of Fame on its floor as well as dedicated a wall to its version of the Hollywood sign without properly licensing either one, the Hollywood Chamber claimed.

The store argued that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce did not have valid trademark rights to the properties, but a German court disagreed.

Hollywood Chamber President and CEO Leron Gubler said the organization is grateful for the victory.

"The court’s determination that these companies violated the Chamber’s rights sends a message that companies outside the U.S. cannot violate our trademark and other rights," Gubler said. "This is the first time in more than 35 years of owning these trademarks we have been forced to take legal action internationally to protect them."

While the German court made the ruling last month, the chamber, along with its licensing agent Global Icons, did not announce the win until this week.