D. Minn. Court Grants Summary Judgment on Trellis Mark Priority

A U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota granted summary judgment in favor of Trellis Co. on June 3, 2026, finding no genuine dispute of material fact regarding priority of the Trellis mark. The court held that Trellis Co. demonstrated earlier use of the identical mark in connection with nonprofit and community services.

The ruling came in Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, Inc. v. Trellis Co., where the plaintiff had challenged Trellis Co.'s rights. The decision resolved the priority issue in the defendant's favor, allowing the case to proceed on remaining claims.

Trademark priority is established by the first use in commerce of a mark in connection with specified goods or services. Courts evaluate evidence such as sales records, advertising, and continuous use to determine which party has superior rights. Summary judgment is appropriate when the record shows no triable issue on that element.

This outcome underscores the importance of documenting first-use dates in trademark disputes involving similar marks in related fields. The case remains pending on other issues.

Sources: https://www.vitallaw.com/news/trademark-d-minn-court-grants-summary-judgment-on-trademark-priority-in-trellis-dispute/ipm01c4cce6d5512e482bbda7d38c32f2b6ce https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20260603l52