After relaunching their Denver sports properties under a new unifying “Denver Sports” brand in January, Bonneville Sports “104.3 The Fan” KKFN Longmont/Denver was hit with a cease & desist and then a trademark infringement suit from ALLCITY Network’s DNVR over the similarities to their existing logo.
Pictured below, the original DenverSports logo used by Bonneville replicated DNVR’s black and white color scheme and mountain iconography. The lawsuit filed by ALLCITY Network claimed that Bonneville’s trademark infringement created “unfair competition, trade dress infringement, dilution by tarnishment, and tortious interference”.
At the time of the suit, ALLCITY Network CEO Brandon Spano told Westword, “They used something we created and put it into the marketplace. They’re not even hiding it. They’re trying to look exactly like us.” KKFN Program Director Raj Sharan countered, “Bonneville denies the allegations, which have absolutely no merit, and our legal counsel is preparing a formal response. Denver Sports remains committed to delivering the most in-depth and inclusive local sports content for all Denver sports fans.”
The details of the settlement have been kept private with the suit being dropped, however Bonneville has changed the logo of DenverSports.com to the one at the top of this story. The new logo matches the color schemes used by Bonneville’s Sports brands in Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City and Seattle.
ALLCITY Network (“BSN Live, Inc.”) and Bonneville International Corporation (“Bonneville”) are pleased to announce that they have amicably resolved their dispute concerning Bonneville’s use of the name DENVER SPORTS and an accompanying logo. Bonneville will continue to offer its services under the trademark DENVER SPORTS, but Bonneville has decided to alter its logos to allow both parties to put this matter behind them and focus on building their respective brands. ALLCITY Network has agreed to dismiss the federal lawsuit it filed against Bonneville in January. ALLCITY Network and Bonneville remain committed to providing Mile High sports fans with their own unique brands of coverage and commentary. They wish each other well in their respective operations.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com