TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Sep 27, 2024

U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson has ruled the Swan Ball’s trademark belongs to the group that has traditionally produced the annual event for Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Richardson found that SB Initiative Inc. (SBI), the group overseeing the event, provided "sufficient evidence" of ownership. The decision comes after the group filed a lawsuit against Cheekwood. Richardson also denied Cheekwood’s request for a temporary restraining order, finding that it had not met the necessary requirements. He stated that Cheekwood was unlikely to prove it was the first user of the Swan Ball mark or that it maintained control over the goods and services offered under the mark. He then ordered the two parties to engage in mediation beginning on Oct. 11. The Nashville Post has more on the ruling.