Two G&K trademark lawyers, Brian LaCorte and Donna Catalfio, recently settled a long-running trademark dispute against Exxon/Mobil for $1.5 million.

The matter involved one of G&K's international clients, Home Care Products of Cairo, Egypt. The dispute was over Exxon/Mobil's use of Home Care's popular brand "FLIT," a mark that dates all the way back to the 1940's. The mark was popular in the US and around the world as a brand for mosquito spray. Interestingly, "FLIT" was part of an advertisement campaign originally developed by Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka "Dr. Seuss," who developed the slogan "Quick Henry, get the FLIT" and related artistic renderings).

Several years ago, Home Care acquired the "FLIT" mark for use as its flagship brand for mosquito and pest control products sold throughout Europe and Africa.