Michigan First Credit Union Moves Forward with Litigation Against First Michigan for Trademark Infringement

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan First Credit Union (www.MichiganFirst.com), a $550 million asset credit union based in Lathrup Village, Mich., is formally moving forward with litigation against Troy, Mich. -based First Michigan Bancorp Inc., for infringing Michigan First's registered trademarks. Michigan First originally filed the suit on May 12, 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan seeking an injunction and damages.

Michigan First has obtained and consistently used several registered service marks since changing its name from Detroit Teachers Credit Union to Michigan First Credit Union in April 2001. These service marks include the credit union's name, Michigan First Credit Union, as well as a variety of products and services including its Michigan First MoneyWorks Banking Centers (ATMs) and Michigan First Wealth Management Group for its financial and estate planning services. In addition, there are a number of Michigan First branded websites and social media channels.

"These registered service marks are used extensively in our member communication and promotions, creating strong recognition with both our members and the public," said Michael Poulos, President and CEO of Michigan First Credit Union. "We have taken all the necessary actions to protect these assets, which are consistently used for all of our banking and other financial services, and we will continue to take all necessary actions to protect them."

According to the complaint, the bank's use of the First Michigan Bank name is "in conscious disregard of Michigan First's trademark rights and creates a likelihood of public confusion, in which consumers seeking Michigan First's services will be diverted to the bank, and/or will erroneously believe that the services offered by the bank are offered, sponsored, or endorsed by Michigan First, when in fact they are not."

About Michigan First Credit Union

Based in Lathrup Village, Mich., Michigan First Credit Union is one of the leading technology-focused credit unions in metro Detroit. The rapidly growing, full-service financial institution serves more than 80,000 members and has more than $550 million in assets. Founded in 1926 as the Detroit Teachers Credit Union, Michigan First has since expanded to serve those who live, work or worship in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, as well as local businesses. Michigan First is committed to continuously investing in its members, the community, youth and financial literacy initiatives and providing members with the latest in banking technology and services. For more information, visit www.MichiganFirst.com.

To stay updated on news, events and more, follow Michigan First on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/MichiganFirstCU or "Like" Michigan First on Facebook www.Facebook.com/MichiganFirstCreditUnion.  

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Michael Poulos   |   https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=72792

SOURCE Michigan First Credit Union