HomeVestors Attains Victory Over Trademark Infringers

DALLAS, Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- HomeVestors of America, Inc. ("HomeVestors"), known for its registered trademark We Buy Ugly Houses^®, has been diligent in protecting its trademarks.  Since its incorporation in 1996, HomeVestors has aggressively defended its federally registered trademarks and its right to stop third parties from using its trademarks as part of their domain names and on their websites without being authorized to do so, and also from using its trademarks in keyword advertising.  Recently, HomeVestors has won a Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy ("UDRP") proceeding against Stewart Taylor, winning the right to use the domain name <buy-ugly-houses.biz>.  The UDRP Complaint was filed before the National Arbitration Forum, which issued a decision on October 12, 2012, ordering the transfer of the domain name to HomeVestors. 

Since its last UDRP win, HomeVestors has filed another UDRP proceeding, and it expects a decision in that matter in the next few weeks.  HomeVestors is committed to gaining control over the domain names that use its registered trademarks as part of those domains.  HomeVestors has also seen a recent spike in parties using the federally registered HOMEVESTORS^® mark, or confusingly similar variations thereof, and is diligently pursuing those matters as well. 

HomeVestors is the #1 buyer of houses in the U.S.  The first franchise company of its kind, HomeVestors has been franchising since 1996.  HomeVestors currently has about 276 franchises in 37 states.  Franchisees are authorized to use the WE BUY UGLY HOUSES® trademarks in connection with their franchised business and have spent more than $100,000,000.00 in advertising the brand, contributing to its national recognition and fame.  However, use of such trademarks by unauthorized third parties is prohibited.

"The frequent infringement of HomeVestors' trademarks—including both of the WE BUY UGLY HOUSES and HOMEVESTORS marks—is evidence of the vast goodwill that HomeVestors has built in those marks," explained HomeVestors litigation attorney Darin Klemchuk of Klemchuk Kubasta LLP.  "In order to protect that goodwill, HomeVestors can and will pursue every infringement of which it becomes aware."

HomeVestors has owned and used the HOMEVESTORS®, WE BUY UGLY HOUSES®, the UG® family of marks, and other proprietary trademarks continuously for many years.  Over the years, HomeVestors has spent significant amounts of time and resources in developing its brand and maintaining the goodwill it has built in its trademarks.

ABOUT HOMEVESTORS OF AMERICA, INC.
Dallas-based HomeVestors of America, Inc. is the #1 buyer of houses in the U.S.  HomeVestors trains and supports franchisees that specialize in buying and rehabbing residential properties.  Most commonly known as the "We Buy Ugly Houses" company, HomeVestors strives to make a positive impact in each community.  In 2009, for the fourth consecutive year, HomeVestors was among the prestigious Franchise Business Review's "Top 50 Franchises," a distinction awarded to franchisors with the highest level of franchisee satisfaction.  For more information, visit www.HomeVestors.com.

ABOUT KLEMCHUK KUBASTA LLP
Klemchuk Kubasta LLP is a law firm offering a full array of intellectual property related services, including litigation and enforcement of all forms of intellectual property, as well as registration and licensing of patents, trademarks, trade dress, and copyrights.  The firm also provides legal services relating to trade secrets, unfair competition, domain names, e-commerce, privacy policies, Internet law, commercial and business litigation, technology transactions, and international business and trade.  Located in Dallas, Texas, Klemchuk Kubasta LLP supports a diverse client base ranging from startups to established market-leading companies.  Klemchuk Kubasta LLP also serves as local counsel for IP and commercial litigation cases pending in Texas, including the federal courts in the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas.  Additional information about the firm and its attorneys may be found at www.kk-llp.com.

CONTACT: Susie Lomelino
[email protected]
214.269.2092

SOURCE HomeVestors of America, Inc.