NEW ORLEANS – A Louisiana social club says a clothing company has sold to the public blazers, caps and other apparel bearing its trademarked name without permission.
Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club Inc. filed a lawsuit Sept. 17 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Soul Trade Inc., doing business as Soul Train Fashions, alleging trademark infringement and unjust enrichment.
According to the complaint, Zulu has developed its name for over a century by offering a Mardi Gras parade and other events, and begin trademarking the name “Zulu” as far back as 2003 with the federal government. Earlier in 2015, when Zulu discovered Soul Trade was using its name on apparel, the suit says it sent them cease and desist letter. However, the plaintiff claims the letter was ignored, and Soul Trade continues to sell the items in question.
Zulu seeks a restraining order preventing the unauthorized use of its name and punitive and compensatory damages for unjust enrichment. It is represented by attorneys Danatus N. King of Danatus King and Associates and Kenya Jamar Rounds of The Law Offices of Kenya Jaymar Rounds LLC, both of New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District Case number 2:15-cv-04483