Court Enters Default Judgment in Lizzie Borden Trademark Dispute

U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin entered a default judgment on October 8, 2026, against Miss Lizzie’s Coffee LLC and its owner in a trademark suit brought by US Ghost Adventures LLC. The plaintiff operates the Lizzie Borden House museum and bed-and-breakfast in Fall River, Massachusetts, and owns service marks for the “Lizzie Borden” name and a hatchet logo for hospitality services.

The coffee shop, located next door to the historic site, had been accused of infringing the marks through its name and branding. After the shop’s counsel withdrew, the owner represented the company pro se and repeatedly failed to comply with discovery orders and deadlines despite warnings. The court found the responses inadequate and entered default as a sanction.

The judge expressed reluctance about the merits but granted liability and awarded $31,207 in attorney fees. Requests for disgorgement of profits, other damages, and injunctive relief were denied. The coffee shop may continue operating under its current name.

The case highlights enforcement challenges when defendants fail to participate fully in litigation.

Sources: https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/courts/2026/10/13/lizzie-borden-trademark-suit-with-cafe-us-ghost-adventures-is-over/92222581007/ https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/lizzie-borden-house-owed-fees-in-trademark-spat-with-coffee-shop