A Texas federal judge has ruled decisively in favor of Trojan Battery Co. in its trademark infringement and unfair competition case against Trojan EV LLC and Golf Carts of Cypress LLC. The ruling, announced on Thursday, includes a permanent injunction and a substantial monetary award totaling $2.6 million.

Trojan Battery Gets $2.6M Win In TM Row : Legal Battle Culminates in Favorable Verdict

The judge presiding over the case decreed that Trojan EV must pay $1,187,699 in disgorged profits, with Golf Carts of Cypress owing $1,422,727. These financial penalties stem from the defendants' infringement on four counts as outlined in the complaint, including federal trademark infringement and unfair competition under Texas state law.

Trojan Battery initiated legal action in 2021, alleging that the defendants unlawfully utilized its trademarks pertaining to electric storage batteries and deep-cycle electric storage batteries, commonly employed in golf carts. The company sought not only monetary compensation but also a restraining order prohibiting the defendants from further leveraging Trojan Battery's trademarks in association with their golf carts.

Ruling Details Unveil Defendants' Intentions

The judge underscored damning evidence illustrating the defendants' attempt to capitalize on Trojan Battery's esteemed brand reputation. Specifically, the ruling highlighted the defendants' intent to exploit the goodwill associated with the plaintiff's brand, a factor deemed compelling evidence of potential confusion among consumers.

Mara Williams, Chief Legal Officer at Trojan Battery, expressed profound satisfaction with the court's decision, emphasizing the validation it provides for the company's brand integrity. In a statement to Law360, Williams lauded the verdict as a testament to Trojan Battery's steadfast commitment to defending its trademarks and hailed it as a triumph for brand owners confronting similar infringement challenges.

Legal Teams React

Representing Trojan Battery Co. are legal experts Gilbert A. Greene, Nicole K. McLaughlin, and Tyler Marandola from Duane Morris LLP. Conversely, counsel for Trojan EV LLC and Golf Carts of Cypress, including Jerry R. Selinger, Aaron D. Perkins, Kyrie Cameron, and Simon J. Harrall from Patterson & Sheridan LLP, did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the ruling.