NAACP Wannabe Local Shut Down With Trademark Claim

The dispute followed suspension of the Cincinnati branch of the NAACP by the national, after the local had postponed an election because of disagreement over procedural issues. Three former members of the suspended local then incorporated to form a group that was called “NAACP, Cincinnati Branch.” The NAACP sued the new group and some of its members in the Southern District of Ohio, alleging trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and unfair competition under the Lanham Act, as well as tortious interference and conversion of property. The federal court has granted the NAACP a temporary restraining order.