San Diego’s Comic-Con International and rival Salt Lake Comic Con are sparring over use of the “Comic Con” name.
Organizers of the Salt Lake City event said Monday they received a cease and desist letter from attorneys for Comic-Con International, which cited infringement of its federal trademarks.
“Use of ‘Comic Con’ in connection with your convention is likely to cause confusion in the minds of attendees, exhibitors and fans as to the source, sponsorship or endorsement of your Salt Lake Comic Con convention,” said a letter dated Friday from San Diego attorneys Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.
“You are improperly attempting to take advantage of the notoriety and fame of the Comic-Con convention and the Comic-Con marks.”
The next Salt Lake Comic Con is scheduled for Sept. 4-6 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.
“This cease and desist order is baseless and has been attempted before by this organization and has failed. Our primary concern is our fans and making sure we provide them with an event that allows them to meet, great and get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities and pop culture icons,” said Dan Farr, Salt Lake Comic Con founder and producer of the show.
“We’re puzzled why Salt Lake Comic Con was apparently singled out amongst the hundreds of comic cons around the country and the world. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves from this frivolous action.”
Salt Lake Comic Con said it is the third largest show of its type country with 120,000 fans expected in September.
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