On September 21, 2010, the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth (“EDFW”) filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of Texas against the Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker, who, according to EDFW, “withdraw from The Episcopal Church and pledged his allegiance to a different denomination.” EDFW claims that Rev. Iker is using EDFW’s service marks in his advertising and marketing of religious services and works, and that individuals may mistakenly believe that Rev. Iker’s religious services are being provided by EDFW. EDFW asserts causes of action for service mark infringement and dilution under the Lanham Act, and seeks to recover its damages, costs, and attorney’s fees.
EDFW is represented by Jonathan David Fulton Nelson, of Jonathan D. F. Nelson, P.C., and William Sims, Jr., Allen Yee, and Thomas Leatherbury, all of Vinson & Elkins LLP.
The case is before Judge Means.