Lawsuits For the Cure?

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 | by Pat's Picks

A dogsled race to benefit breast cancer research—what would you call it? Minnesota organizers thought Mush for the Cure sounded perfect. Until, that is, they received a cease-and-desist letter attorneys representing Susan G. Komen for the Cure, organizers of the “Race for the Cure” events. The Star Tribune says lawsuits have become more common in the non-profit sector as groups do battle over branding and trademark issues. Experts say it’s a sensitive issue—non-profits don’t want to (or don’t want to be seen) spending money on lawyers but they also want to assure donors that they are contributing to the correct charity and not an impostor. Insiders say the Red Cross is particularly aggressive in protecting its copyright against other organizations using its trademark symbol.