FAN EXPO CANADA FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST UFC PROMOTERS
Canada's premiere "Fan Expo" prepared to enter the ring with the UFC
TORONTO, April 27 /CNW/ - Toronto-based Hobby Star Marketing Inc.,
organizers of the largest combined gaming, horror, comic, science
fiction and anime event in Canada, Fan Expo Canada, today launched a lawsuit against American sports promotion company,
Zuffa LLC and event organizers Reed Exhibitions Limited of the U.K. for
trademark infringement.
The company's statement of claim seeks to establish that Zuffa LLC's use
of "UFC Fan Expo" is a confusingly similar use to Hobby Star
Marketing's registered trade-mark, Fan Expo Canada, and that such use infringes on Hobby Star Marketing's exclusive rights
in Canada in its trademark, causes confusion and depreciates the value
of the Fan Expo Canada brand.
In documents filed in Federal Court, Hobby Star Marketing is requesting
an immediate injunction to block organizers from using the name "UFC
Fan Expo" and the accompanying slogan, "Ultimate Fan Experience" in
Canada. This claim follows the December 2010 announcement of the
first-ever UFC Fan Expo in Canada to be held in Toronto later this
month.
"For the past 17 years, Fan Expo Canada has been the only event offering
unique experiences and opportunities to interact with icons, industry
leaders, and other enthusiastic fans across a variety of genres and
modes and we intend to grow dynamically in coming years," said Aman
Gupta, President of Hobby Star Marketing. "We will do everything
possible to protect our intellectual property and maintain the
integrity of our event and our brand."
Owned and operated by Hobby Star Marketing, Fan Expo Canada offers fans
the chance to meet their favourite celebrities and pop culture heroes
at autograph and photo sessions. Attendees can also participate in
informational workshops with industry experts offering advice, tips and
portfolio reviews, and shop for exclusive Fan Expo Canada offers,
collectibles and memorabilia from more than 600 vendors.
Hobby Star Marketing Inc. was founded in 1992 and has quickly become one
of Canada's premiere sports and entertainment marketing companies.
Since its inception, Hobby Star Marketing has secured a niche in the
industry by specializing in professional sport and entertainment
celebrity placement at a variety of venues and events.
Media Contact:
Adrienne Kakoullis - 416-628-5610
akakoullis@hccink.com
www.holmescreativecommunications.com