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There’s A Lawsuit For That

11-05-2009 [Jessica Hauth] [Permalink]
In October 2009, Verizon launched a series of commercial advertisements comparing coverage maps of Verizon’s 3G network with more sparse 3G coverage maps of competitor AT&T. Specifically, Verizon’s ads claim that AT&T is “out of touch” and that if someone wanted to know why an AT&T customer has spotty 3G coverage “there’s a map for that.” 
 
Based on these advertisements, AT&T has sued Verizon for violations of trademark law under the Lanham Act and local laws, claiming false advertising and deceptive trade practices. They are seeking a temporary restraining order and injunctions to prevent Verizon from continuing to use the ads, as well as for damages. (see AT&T Mobility LLC v. Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, United District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, Case No. 1:09-cv-3057)
 
Notably, AT&T is the carrier for Apple’s iPhone which has the popular catch phrase “there’s an app for that.”